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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 13, 2023

IWC Launch Two New Mercedes-AMG F1 Edition Chronographs F...

IWC Schaffhausen launches titanium and Ceratanium chronographs for Mercedes-AMG and its F1 team. IWC Schaffhausen, in anticipation of the upcoming 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, has unveiled two high-performance chronographs dedicated to its motorsport partners, Mercedes-AMG and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41, crafted from Ceratanium, reflects IWC’s watchmaking mastery in combining sophisticated chronograph engineering with advanced materials. Famous for its ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale, this fuel-driven timepiece allows drivers to measure average speeds efficiently, blending functionality with luxury design. Decorated with black dials featuring a glossy finish, recessed totalisers, and indices infused with Super-LumiNova, the watches are a statement of style but also visibility in low-light conditions. Housing the in-house 69385 calibre, these chronographs promise strength and precision, ready to withstand the pressures of 10 bar water resistance. The titanium variant (Ref. IW388305/04) pioneers the use of this robust metal in watchmaking, echoing IWC’s innovative spirit since 1980. The Ceratanium model (Ref. IW388306/07) showcases IWC’s proprietary material that blends titanium's durability with ceramic's scratch resistance, culminating in a matte black finish. Both models offer strap options in black rubber or a matching metal bracelet. These chronographs extend the lineage of the official team watch, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team”, worn by the team's diverse talents. The new Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 series elevates IWC’s motorsport connection, delivering a fusion of high-tech horology and racing spirit for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Shop all luxury watches currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery by clicking the link below. Shop All Luxury Watches For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: IWC Schaffhausen

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 21, 2023

IWC Shaffhausen x Lewis Hamilton Release A $160K Portugie...

IWC Schaffhausen collaborates with seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton to create the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph. In the world of motorsport-inspired horology, collaborations between watchmakers and champion athletes often result in commemorative timepieces that embody performance, precision, and luxury. Those three words perfectly describe the DNA of a successful Formula 1 driver. IWC Schaffhausen has teamed up with seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton to create and unveil the all-new Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton. The Portugeiser features an elegant platinum case, a teal dial factory set with 12 diamonds, and a matching textile strap, representing a true reflection of Hamilton’s fashion-forward style and racing expertise. The most noticeable characteristic of the watch is an eye-catching flying hacking minute tourbillon at 6 o'clock, designed to increase the watch's accuracy by counteracting the effects of gravity. The Portugeiser is driven by the IWC Shaffhausen's in-house 89900 caliber, which also powers a chronograph function and a retrograde date display. The caliber incorporates cutting-edge Diamond Shell technology and boasts an impressive 68-hour power reserve. What makes this watch truly unique is the limited-edition status, with only 44 pieces produced to mirror the racing number Hamilton has used throughout his career. With Hamilton’s panther-eye logo proudly displayed, the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph becomes the third collaboration between IWC and the racing icon. While pricing is to be rumored around CHF 150,000 ($165,800), the all-new Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton is sure to be an instant sell-out amongst passionate collectors and fans. View all luxury watches currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Watches For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: IWC Schaffhausen

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 14, 2023

IWC Schaffhausen x Mercedes-AMG Release A G-Class Inspire...

The Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 echoes signature G-Class design features such as the headlights or the spare wheel cover. IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-Benz have rolled out something truly special to add to their successful collection of motorsport-inspired luxury timepieces. Celebrating modern automotive icons, the performance-driven duo introduce two new editions of the Big Pilot's Watch with inspiration from Mercedes' legendary AMG G63 SUV. For nearly two decades, IWC has maintained a solid partnership with Mercedes-AMG, and their latest collaboration presents two distinct Big Pilot’s Watches. One Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 sports a case and crown crafted from 18-carat Armor Gold. The other version marks a first for IWC, featuring a ceramic matrix composite case engineered in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Each G-Class watch houses a highly robust IWC-manufactured 52010 caliber, an automatic movement that ensures precise timekeeping. Additional highlights include power reserve displays and a second counter, mimicking the G-Class's characteristic headlights. Whether it's the black and gold color scheme reminiscent of the Mercedes-AMG G 63 “Grand Edition” or the high-tech appeal of CMC, these timepieces are sure to excite automotive enthusiasts. Available exclusively at IWC boutiques or online, these Big Pilot’s Watch editions come with a 6-year extended warranty under the My IWC care program. The all-new IWC Schaffhausen x Mercedes-AMG Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 Collection is now available through an authorized retailer. Shop all of the current luxury watches for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Watches For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: IWC Schaffhausen

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 03, 2023

IWC Preps For Miami GP With A Special 'Miami Pink' AMG F1...

Expanding off one of its most successful releases to date, IWC adds some South Beach vibes to its Mercedes-AMG F1 Pilot's Watch.

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 02, 2021

Essentials for Mercedes-AMG Enthusiasts

As car collectors and enthusiasts, it's easy to see the beauty behind any automobile, but there are brands that just seem to be as the top of the favorite list. For those manufacturers, creating a fanbase and product line to help show support for the brand allows collectors to feel the sense of excitement when first discovering their automotive passion. That's why we have created a special list dedicated to the top luxury products and accessories with Mercedes-AMG inspiration. View all Mercedes models for sale on duPont REGISTRY, and shop all of the products featured in this special by clicking the links below. View All Mercedes For Sale IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition 'AMG' Watches of Switzerland Shop Now Mercedes F1 Baseball Cap Puma Shop Now Mercedes F1 Logo Tee Puma Shop Now Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 2021 Team Rain Jacket F1 Store Shop Now Mercedes-Benz Saloon Coupe: The Complete Story Barnes & Nobles Shop Now Mercedes AMG Petronas Backpack F1 Store Shop Now Mercedes AMG Petronas Carabiner Keyring F1 Store Shop Now Mercedes-Benz M7005 Sunglasses Glasses USA Shop Now Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Ridge Cat Motorsport Shoes F1 Store Shop Now Mercedes AMG Petronas Sports Bottle F1 Store Shop Now For more Gear news, Check out Essentials for Porsche x Martini Racing Enthusiasts

By Edward Jones – May 21, 2021

IWC and Mercedes-AMG Unveil New Pilot's Watch

Celebrating a partnership between two phenomenal brands. IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-AMG have just unveiled the new Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition "AMG" and it's a must-see. Since 2004, the two brands have been collaborating in multiple ways and it's watches like this one that makes the partnership so exciting. As for the watch, the Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition AMG carries multiple "firsts." It's the first Pilot's Watch Chronograph with a case made of titanium, as well as the first Pilot's Watch Chronograph to feature the 69385 caliber. The grade 5 titanium finish for the case was inspired by AMG's Selenite Grey Magno paint finish, and it proves to be a perfect choice. Carbon fiber was chosen for the dial, calling out the aero components found on AMG models. If you flip the watch over, the case back features the AMG logo, signifying its limited-edition status. The IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition AMG can be pre-ordered on IWC.com starting May 21 or through IWC Boutiques and authorized retail partners. Source: Mercedes-Benz

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