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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 17, 2020

Hublot Collaborates With Berluti On A Limited Edition Big...

A timepiece can complete an outfit by complimenting the style worn by the individual. The best way to help portray that inspiration is by combining a luxury watch manufacturer with a high-end men’s fashion house. This ideal collaboration is what Hublot is doing with the emblematic designer Berluti on the newest limited-edition Big Bang Unico example. The Hublot Big Bang Unico Berluti Cold Brown watch was elegantly designed using materials incorporated in men’s fashion, and now for the first time, a Hublot timepiece. The Cold Brown Venezia Leather is reflected throughout the bezel, dial, and strap with help from Kris Van Assche, Creative Director of Berluti. The Unico Automatic Chronograph is a 45mm case that holds a water resistance of 100-meters, as well as a 72-hour power reserve. The limited 100-piece release from Hublot x Berluti combines the aspects of a luxury handmade timepiece with the high-end design qualities from French-inspired fashion. Shop the Hublot Big Bang Unico Berluti Cold Brown watch by clicking the link below. Shop Now

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By Jordan Aquistapace – November 04, 2020

How To Buy The Hublot x Yohji Yamamoto Limited Edition Bi...

Hublot has created partnerships in the past resulting in collaboration models that become timeless collector pieces for watch enthusiasts. The most recent being with renowned Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto. The 45mm case of the Big Bang is styled using matte black ceramic with a crystal-clear sapphire overlay covering the camouflage dial. On the dial are matching matte-finished numbers and hands, with Yohji Yamamoto’s signature etched at the 6 o’clock mark. A Unico movement drives the limited-edition Big Bang that holds a power reserve of 72 hours. Hublot uses groundbreaking technology with the design and creation of the matching camouflage fabric strap. The camo outline shapes are cut out individually, assembled, and fused together using a vulcanization process. There is also a black fabric strap option that compliments well with the matte finished case. Each version of the Hublot x Yohji Yamamoto watch is limited to 200 pieces. When: Available Now Where: Hublot Website Price: $22,800 " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 20, 2020

The New Hublot Meca-10 Clock Is Inspired By A Previously ...

Hublot is known for designing and manufacturing luxury watches with an enlarged case size to help draw focus to the inner workings using transparent dials. The Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 is the prime example, a 45mm watch with a 10-day power reserve. The team at Hublot announced that they have rescaled and designed the January 2016 release to be available as a Meca-10 Clock. The Swiss watchmakers enlisted help from world-renowned clockmakers at L’Epée. A manual-winding skeleton power reserve movement with two barrels drives the 134.6mm clock and includes a 10-day power reserve. The limited-edition Hublot Meca-10 Clock comes in both silver and black stain polished finishes. Learn more about the large scale Hublot Meca-10 Clock by clicking the link below. Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 19, 2020

Makes and Movements: Ferrari F8 Tributo x Hublot Big Bang...

Exotic cars and fine handcrafted timepieces complement each other in a similar way that salt and pepper do, they just work. In many cases, watch manufacturers create pieces that tailor to the automotive industry and even specific cars altogether. Our new special Makes and Movements, will be selecting spectacular supercars available through DuPont Registry and pairing them with current or pre-released watches. The diversity of both the vehicles and timepieces will shed light on different brands and help educated on new areas of each industry. 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo Ferrari and Hublot have a very close relationship. Where Formula 1 Ferrari Team drivers are sporting timepieces with the prancing horse proudly displayed on the dials. The new Ferrari F8 Tributo is described by the Italian manufacturer as a “celebration of excellence”. Ferrari released the newly designed supercar with the intent that the body's aerodynamics compliments the performance of the 710-horsepower 8-cylinder twin-turbo motor. This paired with the newest dynamic control technology makes for a more enjoyable driving experience. The Side Slip Control system is the extra bit of reassurance that allows the F8 Tributo to be pushed to its limits both on and off track. For the days that it makes an appearance on the track, the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer system has the ability to be present while the vehicle is in race mode. Inside the Ferrari F8 Tributo, is an entirely redesigned cockpit. The standard seats have been constructed to enhance a driver-oriented style with a variety of material and color options. The classic Ferrari steering wheel has also been altered with newly mounted controls ensuring that hands never leave the wheel. Although Ferrari represents itself as a driver's experience, they have not left out the individuals that are enjoying the passenger seat. The F8 Tributo features an optional new 7-inch infotainment display, giving some control to the passenger while experiencing the performance of the new Italian supercar. The Ferrari configurator allows the F8 Tributo to be customized exactly to the liking of each potential buyer. The wide array of exterior color codes and interior options allow the potential to create a vehicle that will match one of Hublot's Big Bang Ferrari Edition watches. Why To Buy The 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo is a great buy for anyone looking for a supercar that balances performance, comfort, and styling. It combines high horsepower with the technological advancements to correct and assist the driver at any moment, making the F8 Tributo effortless to operate. The design of each vehicle is tailored to the customer's wants and needs ensuring a premium buying experience. The Ferrari F8 Tributo is the supercar with space and ability to enjoy as a daily driven vehicle. Shop All Ferrari F8 Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico 1000 GP Hublot offers a wide variety of timepieces in their collection differing in styles and functions. The most popular model being the Hublot Big Bang, which has been cast using various materials and colors. The Swiss watch manufacturer's special partnership with Ferrari has resulted in some pretty incredible collaboration projects, one being the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico 1000 GP. A watch that pays homage to team Scuderia Ferrari's 1000th grand prix appearance. It seems to be the perfect example to pair with the new 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo. The 45mm case that houses the Unico movement comes in different materials and colors to match perfectly to a spec of the all-new Italian supercar. The common goal between the two manufacturers is to save weight to compliment the performance of each product, which is why Hublot has engineered the Big Bang using titanium resulting in effortless wear. Looking down at the dial can be a similar experience to observing the F8 Tributo gauges with the added function of a second timer to track lap times. Comfort is key when it comes to both timepieces as well as supercars. There are noticeable similarities between the Ferrari F8 Tributo interior and the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico. Hublot's strap is created using Alcantara just as the new Ferrari sports seats feature with the added detail of contrast stitching to bring the design together. The purpose of the Hublot is to have a balanced experience of both style and performance, a similar mantra that goes into the Ferrari F8 Tributo. Shop the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico Collection and view the current inventory of Ferrari F8 Tributo's by clicking the links below. Why To Buy Hublot has a one of a kind partnership with Ferrari that separates them from all other watch manufacturers. The brand can collaborate with the most well-known supercar manufacturer to produce limited-edition examples considered to be collector pieces. The Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico collection is exactly that, a limited edition production that celebrates Ferrari, as well as their achievements in motorsports. The watches are made with the intention of daily use for the customer always in mind. Shop Hublot's Ferrari Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 15, 2020

Samuel Ross Joins The Hublot Family As A Brand Ambassador

Hublot’s list of brand ambassadors is just as spectacular and diverse as the watches that the Swiss company designs. A blend of sport and art inspired individuals to open the creative realm of collaborations that result in sought after collector pieces. Hublot is pleased to announce Samuel Ross as the newest addition to the family. Beginning as a co-creator for Virgil Abloh’s Off White brand, Samuel went on to win Hublot’s 2019 Design Prize for his aesthetic and functional vision. His resume of successful accomplishments in the art and fashion industry makes Samuel Ross a visionary as a Hublot brand ambassador. Learn more about Samuel Ross and Hublot’s new relationship by clicking the link below. Learn More

By Edward Jones – October 13, 2020

Hublot's New High Jewelry Collection is Filled With Diamonds

Hublot has just debuted their new High Jewelry Collection for 2020 which includes three incredible diamond-filled watches. Each of these watches is unique in their own right, but the one aspect they all share is their brilliance. Each of the stones on the watches was hand-placed by a very patient and precise stone-setter. In fact, Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, had this to say about the feat of setting stones: "Setting the stones on a watch is a feat of technical and aesthetic excellence, carefully conceived and determined in advance. The discipline is both a science of absolute precision and an art form, the aim of which is to maximize the brilliance of the stones within the limits of an extremely confined space. Overcoming such tough challenges and coupling tradition with innovation are the driving forces of our ambition." Visit Hublot.com Big Bang Unico High Jewelry – 334 baguette-cut diamonds – 12.5 carats In total, there are 243 diamonds found on the white gold 42mm case and bezel, while 61 stones re on the dial. At the heart of this watch is the HUB1280 calibre that includes a new architecture with an adjustable ball-bearing chronograph friction system. Spirit of Big Bang High Jewellery - 346 baguette-cut diamonds – 13.1 carats The HUB4700 movement is one of the finest out there and that's what powers this watch. There are 178 diamonds on the silhouette of the case and 113 on the edges of the indices and discs. An additional 55 diamonds are placed on the buckle. Classic Fusion High Jewellery – 427 baguette-cut diamonds – 20.8 carats With the most diamonds out of the trio, this watch is absolutely incredible. A total of 391 diamonds are found on this watch, which has the heart of the HUB1710 self-winding movement. The additional 36 diamonds are located on the buckle.

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 01, 2020

Hublot's Big Bang E Watch Sports A Soccer Inspired Theme

Hublot recently launched the Big Bang E Connected Watch earlier this year, which is powered by Wear OS by Google. A watch that features various dials and downloadable content via the Hublot Store based on each user. Hublot has announced the release of the Big Bang E UEFA Champions League Edition. The difference between the traditional model is the preloaded Hublot Loves Football UEFA Champions League app, which allows users to stay up to date with current standings and news. The Big Bang E takes on a dark blue inspired design that carries from the 42mm case to the structured lined rubber strap. The new release from Hublot will be limited to 500 pieces, each sporting the information on the case-back. The Hublot Big Bang E UEFA Champions League watch is currently available for the price of $7,000 by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 28, 2020

Hublot Inks The New Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu II Black

The Hublot Big Bang Sang Blue Collection is a coveted collaboration featuring the design inspiration of tattoo artist Maxime Plescia-Büchi. A second edition is produced using black in as the design aspect, just as an elegantly bold tattoo. The Hublot Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu II uses full three-dimensional geometry to portray the detailed work that is done by the master tattoo artist. The 45mm case is made from satin-finished and polished black ceramic, with a geometric skeleton dial to showcase the inner working of the Unico movement. The newest addition to Hublot’s collaborative department is for daily wear, fitted with a 70-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. The case back is transparent, featuring more shapes and a inscribe numerical to identify which of the 200 pieces it is. The theme of satin-finished black makes its way to the black rubber strap that is combined with a black titanium buckle clasp to bring it all together. The all-black look is always in style, which makes the Hublot Big Bang Sang Bleu II a great buy for watch enthusiasts. Shop the Hublot x Maxime Plescia-Büchi collaboration by clicking the link below. Shop Now

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By Jordan Aquistapace – September 18, 2020

Hublot Announces Limited Edition Yohji Yamamoto Big Bang ...

Hublot has created partnerships in the past resulting in collaboration models that become timeless collector pieces for watch enthusiasts. The most recent being with renowned Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto. He is no stranger to the Hublot collaboration process, as Yohji designed a previous limited edition Big Bang GMT model. His successful 50 plus years of tailoring collections are being celebrated with a limited edition Hublot Big Bang collection. The examples portray touches of Yohji’s creative vision through the use of matte finishes and his camo motif. The 45mm case of the Big Bang is styled using matte black ceramic with a crystal-clear sapphire overlay covering the camouflage dial. On the dial are matching matte-finished numbers and hands, with Yohji Yamamoto’s signature etched at the 6 o’clock mark. A Unico movement drives the limited-edition Big Bang that holds a power reserve of 72 hours. Hublot uses groundbreaking technology with the design and creation of the matching camouflage fabric strap. The camo outline shapes are cut out individually, assembled, and fused together using a vulcanization process. There is also a black fabric strap option that compliments well with the matte finished case. Each version of the watch will be limited to 200 pieces. Keep up to date with the Hublot Big Bang Yohji Yamamoto Limited Edition watch release by clicking the link below. " width="680"> Learn More

Big Bang Ferrari 1000 GP in white gold and in carbon ceramic

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 10, 2020

Hublot Celebrates Scuderia Ferrari's 1000th Grand Prix Wi...

Sunday, September 13th will mark a special milestone, the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team will be celebrating its 1000th Grand Prix appearance. The event will take place at the Mugello Circuit in Italy, which makes the occasion that much more special. In good fashion, the team over at Hublot has planned to release a timepiece that will commemorate this achievement. The Hublot Big Bang Ferrari 1000 GP will be available in two versions that will be limited to 20 pieces each. The more sophisticated style includes a polished white gold 45mm case paired with mixed black rubber and tan leather strap. The track-ready version features a 45mm carbon-ceramic case with a black rubber and leather strap. The skeleton sapphire dial allows viewing the inner workings of Hublot’s HUB1243 Unico movement that holds a 72-hour power reserve. What can be seen on the dial is the proudly placed prancing horse. The backing will match the dial and include the engravings "1000GP" and “Limited Edition x/20” to signify the celebration. Each timepiece will be delivered with a presentation box that holds a watch winding rotor, as well as a pair of driving gloves signed by Charles LeClerc and Sebastian Vettel. For the collector who wishes to obtain both versions of the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari 1000, they will receive a double watch rotor, two travel pouches, and a glass display for the signed driving gloves. An accomplishment of this caliber deserves recognition. There is no better way than celebrating with a luxury commemorative timepiece. To enquire on the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari 1000 GP, click the links below. Enquire Now Enquire Now

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