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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 – March 15, 2021

Hublot Releases The Classic Fusion Orlinski In Blue Ceramic

In the past, we covered the Hublot Classic Fusion Orlinski collection, featuring a white ceramic chronograph. The Swiss watch manufacturer is proud to announce the release of the Classic Fusion Blue Ceramic, a 40mm traditionally styled watch paired with a matching faceted blue dial that highlights titanium finished indicators. Underneath the geometric-style case lies Hublot’s in-house HUB 1100 self-winding movement, capable of holding a 42-hour power reserve. Although derived from an artistic point of view, the Classic Fusion is designed as a functional daily watch, equipped with a 50-meter water resistance. A transparent back case allows for a closer look at the mechanism that drives the Hublot Classic Fusion. The vibrant blue theme flows into a smooth matte rubber strapped equipped with a titanium clasp, ensuring comfortable wear. The Hublot Classic Fusion Orlinski Blue Ceramic is currently available through an authorized dealer for the price of $13,600. Shop Now For mor Watch news, Check out Breitling Announces Its New Select Watch Subscription

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 19, 2021

Hublot x Alexander Ovechkin Release A Limited-Edition Big...

Hublot continues to expand its professional friendships with individuals that are considered the best of the best when it comes to their industry, sport, or profession. Most recently, Hublot partnered with NHL Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin to create a limited-edition watch. The new Hublot Big Bang Unico Red Alex Ovechkin is made to honor the Russian ice hockey superstar, the greatest hockey player of his generation. The classic 45mm Big Bang case is reimagined using a blend of lightweight carbon fiber and red fiberglass, which reflects Alexander’s hockey equipment. Underneath the matching red skeleton dial lays the Hublot MHUB1242 Unico Self-winding Movement, capable of holding a 72-hour power reserve. The case back features an engraving commemorating the 100 limited-edition examples, as well as a printed Alexander Ovechkin signature. The two strap combinations feature a red fabric sport strap and a comfortable black-lined rubber strap, both of which include a black titanium buckle clasp. The Hublot Big Bang Unico Red Alex Ovechkin watch is currently available through an authorized dealer for $26,200. For more Watch news, Check out Hublot Gets Colorful With Its New Big Bang MP11 Rainbow Carbon

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 18, 2021

Hublot Gets Colorful With Its New Big Bang MP11 Rainbow C...

Born with innovation in mind, the models of the Hublot MP collection represent the fusion between revolutionary movements and spectacular design. Embodying pure prowess, they invite watch enthusiasts to look at time in a new light with the Big Bang MP11 Carbon Rainbow. The rainbow-style bezel draws the main focus of the design, as colorful precious stones wrap around the 45mm carbon fiber case. The lightweight case features an aesthetically pleasing cross pattern, combining functionality with state-of-the-art design. An in-house HUB9011 Manual-winding Skeleton Power Reserve Movement drives the timepiece, with 7 Series-coupled Barrels that display the 14-day power reserve. The rainbow theme follows its way to the large leather strap, where the colors transition into an ombre pattern. Although release information and pricing are yet to be announced, we surely believe the Big Bang MP11 Rainbow Carbon is a head-turning example from Hublot that watch enthusiasts will add to the collection. For more Watch news, Check out Top Luxury Smart Watches To Keep You Connected All Day

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 17, 2021

Hublot Releases A Limited Edition Big Bang E Premier Leag...

Since the beginning, the smartwatch industry thrived with exciting new products from tech conglomerates like Apple and Samsung. As traditional luxury watch manufacturers took a shot at their own renditions, the success grew with more potential to create and design. Hublot took this opportunity to develop the Big Bang E, a 42mm smartwatch designed around the luxury housing of the iconic model. After five successful versions, Hublot is proud to release the Big Bang E Premier League featured in an eye-catching purple colorway. As the Official Timekeeper of the Premier League, Hublot incorporated functions to help track all the latest games, scores, and updates directly from the watch. The Big Bang e is powered with Wear OS by Google™. The wearer can access apps on Google Play, get answers on the go with Google Assistant, and make fast simple payments with Google Pay. Easily swipe to helpful information from a customized list of tiles and stay up to date with notifications and messages. A comfortable purple fabric strap is added to keep the purple theme going while rooting your favorite Premier League team on to victory. As the smartwatch market continues to grow, we are excited to see what the future holds for the Hublot Big Bang E Collection. For more Watch news, Check out Top 10 Luxury Lady’s Watches For Her Collection

Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Orlinski Ceramic White pub1

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 16, 2021

Hublot Releases A Limited Edition Classic Fusion Olinski ...

Art is appreciated by all in one way or another, and for watch manufacturers like Hublot, it acts as the inspiration behind the creative construction of a new timepiece. It is a way of thinking that lead Hublot to collaborate with renowned artist Richard Olinski on an entire line of their popular Classic Fusion model. Once again, Hublot and Richard Olinski are proud to release the new Classic Fusion Areofusion Chronograph Olinski White Ceramic. The 45mm white ceramic case reflects the vision of geometrics and the use of sharp lines, just as Richard Olinski intends on his own work. The sapphire-covered skeleton dial magnifies the dark components of the HUB1155 Self-Winding Movement, which holds a 42-hour power reserve and 50-meter water resistance. A comfortable white rubber strap ties together the clean all-white look of the Hublot x Olinski collaboration piece. The Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph in White Ceramic by Richard Olinski is currently available and limited to 200 pieces. For more Watch news, Check out Discover The New Jacob & Co. Oil Pump-Inspired Automaton Tourbillon

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

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 15, 2021

The New Hublot Big Bang Integral Collection Features The ...

The Big Bang Collection by Hublot remains an iconic model, with an array of styles, designs, and special editions. The one aspect that all Big Bang models have in common is the comfortable non-metal bands fitted to each until now. Hublot is proud to announce the release of the Big Bang Integral Collection. The first Big Bang with an integrated bracelet since its release 15 years ago. The 42mm chronograph is released in three materials inextricably linked to the history of Hublot: lightweight titanium, hard-wearing, scratch-proof ceramic (500 pieces), and King Gold, a unique alloy of gold, copper, and platinum, which results in an intensely red 18-carat gold and is exclusive to Hublot. The newly styled chronograph from Hublot uses the HUB1280 UNICO movement, which holds a 3-day power reserve. The Hublot Big Bang Integral is an example of a watch manufacturer successfully adapting to new ideas. For more Hublot news, Check out Hublot Releases A $348,000 Rainbow And Gold Inspired Big Bang Unico

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 09, 2020

Hublot Releases A $348,000 Rainbow And Gold Inspired Big ...

Most luxury hand-crafted timepieces have enough detail behind the technology and design to the turn heads of watch collectors but can be overlooked by the untrained eye. Hublot made sure that its newest release would be seen by all using one of the most unique design characteristics that the company has ever produced. Hublot is proud to announce the release of the Big Bang Unico Full Baguette King Gold Rainbow. The most eye capturing an aspect of the watch is the 290 gemstones- 24 carats surrounding the 45mm Chronograph. The polished 18K Pink Gold finish pairs just right with the multicolor rainbow Sapphires and Tsavorites. A Unico manufactured self-winding movement drives the heart of the truly unique piece, which is viewable from the transparent dial and case back. The rainbow inspiration follows the black and multicolored alligator strap that also features a stone set 18K gold titanium clasp. The Hublot Big Bang Unico Full Baguette Kind Gold Rainbow is available for $348,000 and is not limited to specific production numbers. Shop and learn more about the newest release from Hublot by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 01, 2020

Hublot Celebrates Its NYC Roots With A Concrete Jungle Cl...

Although Hublot is a Swiss-based luxury timepiece manufacturer, it still holds strong roots in the United States, more specifically New York City. Hublot’s largest U.S. boutique sits on Fifth Avenue, to which the company is proud to honor the city. The celebration of Hublot’s presence in NYC has resulted in a limited-edition Classic Fusion watch named Concrete Jungle. The thought of incorporating concrete within the watch would pay homage to what built the city of opportunities. The 45mm case is made from concrete composite, which is also used on the dial of the Classic Fusion. The black ceramic case back features an engraving that reads “Limited Edition XX/50”. The lightweight rubber strap on the Hublot Classic Fusion Concrete Jungle provides a comfortable and functional wear. The newest release from Hublot is currently available for the price of $18,800. Shop the Hublot Classic Fusion Concrete Jungle by clicking the link below. Shop Now

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