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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 – July 21, 2022

Makes And Movements: Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracá...

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 exotic automotive industry and even specific vehicles altogether. Makes and Movements will be selecting spectacular products 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. Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán Monobalancier (MB) With a partnership built off performance, Roger Dubuis and Lamborghini represent a special category of luxury timepieces that sport automotive-inspiration. Since the two industry leaders first began developing hyper watches in 2020, the limited-edition collection has grown into an array of styles and variations that take on the same design features as the Lamborghinis rolled off the production line in Italy. Some of the most recognized examples commemorate iconic Lamborghini production models like the Aventador and Countach LPI 800-4. Roger Dubuis x Lamborghini are taking its newest release to the next level by styling its design to match the Huracán GT3 EVO2, a factory racecar designed and developed by Lamborghini Squadra Corse based on the Huracán STO. Constructed using unique movements built like Italian V10 engines, the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán serves its purpose as the perfect compliment to the track-inspired Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2. Limited to Only 88-Pieces Roger Dubuis This new Excalibur Spider Huracán configuration makes its debut in appropriate fashion during the iconic Goodwood Festival of Speed. Roger Dubuis takes pride in its involvement as the gathering’s Official Timing Partner, offering the perfect stage to introduce its creation to car and timepiece enthusiasts of all kinds. Roger Dubuis crafts the Excalibur Spider Huracán MB 45mm case, bezel, and crown from pure white Mineral Composite Fibre (MCF), giving the piece a lightweight feel with exceptional strength. The case also features the same touches of red, yellow, and green seen on the Huracán GT3 EVO2’s race livery. The partially skeletonized dial present design features taken directly from the race car, including a honeycomb grille and Italian trim-color hexagonal dashboard that protect the caliber that drives the watch. In-House RD630 Automatic Movement Roger Dubuis While the engine delivering power to the special edition Excalibur Spider isn’t an actual naturally-aspirated V10, its in-house RD630 automatic movement is built with twin barrels and a 360-degree oscillating Huracán rim weight. The 233-piece movement operates the watch’s hours, minutes, central seconds, and date functions. A sapphire backcase beautifully displays a secondary view of the movement through a Huracán GT3 EVO2 wheel, with numbered engravings signifying the special release. Utilizing key design aspects from its supercar muse, Roger Dubuis fits each Excalibur with a multi-color perforated leather strap that uses a quick interchangeable release system. The all-new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán White MCF is limited to 88-pieces worldwide and is currently available through an authorized dealer. Green Rubber & Perforated Calf Leather Strap With QRS Roger Dubuis Why To Buy The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán Monobalancier is the next perfect watch on your buy list because of its significance within the luxury watch world, combining two notorious brands to create a work of art. While most collaboration examples style themselves to mimic the look of factory production cars, this is the first model to feature a racecar theme from a Lamborghini Squadra Corse vehicle platform. With only 88 individually numbered examples worldwide, the Excalibur Spider Huracán MB adds a sense of exclusivity you won’t find with an everyday watch. Roger Dubuis also prides itself on working directly with owners to customize a piece to match their own spec. Shop The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán MB Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 Automobili Lamborghini’s fleet of supercars embodies Italian luxury and performance, introducing road-legal street cars with the capabilities to put down impressive lap times. The Huracán lineup features an array of variations that showcase the progression of the model and its ongoing desire to generate more power. As the Huracán is no stranger to a race track environment, the Huracán GT3 EVO2 offers the experience of motorsport racing through a factory platform. The GT3 EVO2 is based on Lamborghini’s popular Huracán STO model and fully complies with new FIA 2022 technical regulations. Full Carbon Fiber Bodywork With A Factory Race Livery Automobili Lamborghini Taking shape as an upgraded version of the STO, the Huracán GT3 EVO2 features a full carbon body designed in collaboration with the specialists at Lamborghini’s Centro Stile. The main focus on Lamborghini’s improvements on the updated generation surrounds advanced aerodynamics, engine intake system, and improved safety. Behind its vibrant green race livery, new splitters, diffusers, and underbody help to enhance its aerodynamic efficiency. The unmistakable hexagonal air-scoop and the rear fin are derived from Huracán STO, contributing to a more efficient intake system and better car balance. Multifunctional Motorsport Racing Wheel Being that weight-savings is key to victory in any race setting, the Huracán GT3 EVO2 interior comes stripped from Lamborghini’s factory. The driver-oriented layout includes a one seat setup that uses a lightweight carbon bucket seat to lock the driver into position. All new safety measures implement new additions such as a redesigned roll cage, two new rear pillars, carbon-kevlar side panels, and fixed plexiglas side windows. With what seems to be a vast amount of control buttons that operate specific functions of the GT3 EVO2, the alcantara multifunctional racing wheel acts as the main control hub for the race car. The buttons placed on the steering wheel control over 13 different functions, including everything from drink settings to unique ABS maps. In an environment where comfort isn’t key, the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 stands at the ready for any driver willing to experience its performance. Modified 5.2L Naturally-Aspirated V10 (640HP/416-FT-LB) Automobili Lamborghini Along with adopting the notorious roof-scoop and rear-wheel-drive system from its STO sibling, the Huracán GT3 EVO2 also features the same naturally-aspirated engine platform. Lamborghini’s popular 5.2L V10 is upgraded with 10-electronically actuated throttle bodies and titanium valves, increasing its power output to 640-horsepower and 416-foot-pound of torque. A quick shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission manages all the power put down to the rear wheels. The Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 is set to make its official on-track debut at the 2023 Daytona 24 Hours race. Why To Buy The Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 is a perfect addition to any collection because of its uniqueness as a factory racecar intended for true track use. The limited-product series allows avid Lamborghini collectors and owners the opportunity to experience the full potential of a racecar in its most comfortable motorsport setting. Start your own race team and compete with other GT3 EVO2 owners with help from the professionals at Automobili Lamborghini x Lamborghini Squadra Corse. View all of the current Lamborghini Huracán examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Lamborghini Huracán For Sale For more Makes and Movements, Check out Makes & Movements: IWC Pilot’s Watch ‘Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1’ x 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series

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By Jordan Aquistapace – June 24, 2022

The Limited-Edition Roger Dubuis Excalibur Huracán Spider...

Roger Dubuis roars across the starting line to reveal the Maison is now the official timing partner of the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Since its partnership first began back in 2017, Roger Dubuis x Automobili Lamborghini continue to bridge the gap between hyper watches and supercars. The Excalibur Collection dedicates a portion of its lineup to exclusive examples that derive design and performance inspirations from the Lamborghini models that take on circuits all around the world. Roger Dubuis is excited to debut the new limited-edition Excalibur Spider Huracán White MCF at the 2022 Goodwood Festivals of Speed in the United Kingdom. Born to race, the new timepiece boasts an expressive blend of hyper materials and hyper mechanics. MUST-READ: Hyper Time: Automotive Watches For The Enthusiast The most recent Excalibur Spider Huracán follows up a series of unique variations, featuring a design that honors the characteristics of the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO. Roger Dubuis crafts the new Excalibur Spider Huracán MB case, bezel, and crown from pure white Mineral Composite Fibre (MCF). The complex dial highlights a unique blend of vibrant green, red, and yellow tones, mimicking the livery on Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s Huracán race car. While the engine delivering power to the special edition Excalibur Spider isn’t a naturally-aspirated V10, the watch achieves its 60-hour power reserve from Roger Dubuis’ in-house RD630 automatic self-winding movement. The 233-piece movement operates the watch’s hours, minutes, central seconds, and date functions. Utilizing key design aspects from its supercar muse, Roger Dubuis fits each Excalibur with a multi-color perforated leather strap that uses a quick interchangeable release system. The all-new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán White MCF is limited to 88-pieces worldwide and is currently available through an authorized dealer. View all of the current Lamborghini Huracán examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. VIEW ALL LAMBORGHINI HURACÁN FOR SALE View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Roger Dubuis

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 04, 2021

Roger Dubuis x Lamborghini Release The New Excalibur Spid...

The Excalibur Spider Huracán MB is a prime example of what happens when two ground-breaking rule-breakers come together. The partnership between Automobili Lamborghini and Roger Dubuis highlights the similarities between the two industry leaders, incorporating aspects of each brand into limited production examples. Since the release of the Excalibur Spider Huracán watch, the collection aims to reimagine the thought of designing a supercar for your wrist. Roger Dubuis x Lamborghini are proud to announce the newest addition to the collaboration collection, the Excalibur Spider Huracán ST EVO 2. The new Excalibur Spider Huracán is presented as a 45mm automotive-inspired timepiece crafted from SMC Carbon. MUST-READ: Roger Dubuis Launches The $815,000 Limited-Edition Excalibur Spider Countach DT/X The skeleton dial design allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the in-house RD630 automatic-winding movement, which holds an impressive 60-hour power reserve. The transparent backcase features a rotor design that matches the wheel of the Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo EVO 2. Continuing the look and feel of a Lamborghini, Roger Dubuis adds a rubber and Alcantara inlay strap crafted using the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R pattern with a black DLC titanium buckle. The new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán ST EVO 2 is limited to only 88-pieces for $59,500. Discover the newest collaboration timepiece from Automobili Lamborghini x Roger Dubuis by clicking the link below. Discover The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Huracán Spider ST EVO 2 Source: Roger Dubuis

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 28, 2021

Roger Dubuis Unveils The Limited-Edition Excalibur Spider...

Start your engines for the new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán. Since the beginning of its initial partnership with Automobili Lamborghini, Roger Dubuis continues to incorporate elements of the Italian supercar brand into its line of handcrafted hyper watches. The Excalibur Spider is one model that receives new artistic and technological visions, acting as a blank canvas for endless opportunities. Roger Dubuis is proud to present the new Excalibur Spider Huracán White, the newest collaboration project with Lamborghini’s Squadra Corse team. MUST-READ: Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracan STO Revealed Presented as a 45mm skeleton finished in white ceramic composite fiber, the new Excalibur Spider Huracán allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the automotive-inspired caliber. Delivering power to the new hyper watch is Roger Dubuis’ in-house RD360 movement, developed with Lamborghini to help construct an engine-like design. The results of innovative work by the dynamic duo is an impressive 60-hour power reserve and 50-meter water resistance. The transparent back case further highlights the automotive inspiration including a factory Lamborghini Huracán wheel acting as the rotor. The outer portion of the case back is engraved to signify the exclusive release, with each of the only 88-pieces numbered individually. Completing the clean white styling of the Excalibur Spider Huracán, Roger Dubuis adds a white rubber strap with rubber tech inlay and a titanium clasp. The all-new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán White is now available through an authorized dealer for $70,500. Shop The New Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán White Media/Information Source: Roger Dubuis

By Edward Jones – March 06, 2019

Roger Dubuis Launches New Excalibur Huracan Performante T...

At the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, there's more than just supercars and hypercar being revealed. Check out this new debut from Roger Dubuis, the Excalibur Huracan Performante timepiece. This stunning timepiece is limited to just 88 pieces, making it truly exclusive. As the name suggests, Roger Dubuis took inspiration from the Lamborghini Huracan Performante supercar. A quick glance at its face will reveal a honeycomb pattern that's just like one found on the grille of the supercar. The strap also features bears Performante Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tire-pattern on the inside. If you're a fan of the Huracan Performante supercar, this timepiece was created for you. For more information on the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Collection, be sure to click the button below. visit rogerdubuis.com

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