Watches

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 16, 2023

Honda x EDIFICE Unveil Its New Type R-Inspired Chronograp...

EDIFICE collaborates with Honda to create a Type R-inspired timepiece, blending motorsport heritage with elegant design. In a thrilling fusion of motorsport and horology, Honda has teamed up with Casio's EDIFICE brand to launch a timepiece that embodies the essence of the iconic Honda Type R. This collaboration brings to life a chronograph that not only captures the "Ultimate Sport" concept but also pays homage to the rich legacy of Honda's Type R series. The watch, inspired by the Honda Type R echoes the car's distinctive features as a symbol of Honda’s passion for motorsport. Notably, it incorporates the "Championship White" hue and the "Red H" badge, iconic elements synonymous with the Type R’s racing legacy. The dial ring boasts the legendary “Championship White” color, applied using authentic Honda paint, symbolizing a spirit of challenge and the glory of F1TM racing victories. Attention to detail is obvious in every aspect of the watch's design. The dial features a honeycomb pattern reminiscent of the Type R’s front grille, while the inset dial at 9 o’clock showcases a motif inspired by past Type R models, complete with red and white markings and a yellow hand. The band, made of genuine white leather, is printed with the model codes of historic Type R cars and is complemented by an Alcantara underside with red stitching. This timepiece is a tribute to Honda's relentless pursuit of excellence in motorsport. The metal band loop and case back are engraved with “Type R” logos, and the stopwatch timer button features an “R” mark, encapsulating the Type R worldview of challenging limits to achieve ultimate driving satisfaction. Awaiting its anticipated release later this month, the EDIFICE Honda TYPE R Edition is sure to be a hit amongst car collectors and automotive enthusiasts. Discover the EDIFICE Honda TYPE R Edition and shop all the Casio watches currently for sale by clicking the link below. Discover The EDIFICE x Honda Type-R Chronograph Source: EDIFICE

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 16, 2023

Ulysse Nardin Introduces The Innovative Freak ONE OPS Wat...

Ulysse Nardin has once again set a new standard in the realm of Swiss fine watchmaking with the introduction of the new Freak ONE OPS. Launched at Dubai Watch Week, this innovative timepiece showcases Ulysse Nardin's dedication to reshaping traditional watch design using state-of-the-art materials and technology. The Freak series, first introduced in 2001, has been a game-changer, eliminating traditional dials, hands, and crowns, and the Freak ONE OPS continues this legacy of innovation. The Freak ONE OPS stands out with its bold 44mm black DLC titanium case and distinctive khaki green accents. The bezel, crafted from Carbonium, an environmentally friendly material with a remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, adds to the watch's unique appeal. Carbonium is derived from carbon fiber offcuts from aircraft manufacturing, reducing environmental impact significantly. Ulysse Nardin's mastery in watchmaking is obvious in the Freak ONE OPS's caliber UN-240 Manufacture movement. This automatic movement, boasting a substantial 90-hour power reserve, is clearly visible through the absence of a traditional dial. The movement itself acts as the minute hand, while a rotating disc under the movement indicates hours. Completing this extraordinary watch are two strap options made from 30% recycled rubber, highlighting Ulysse Nardin's loyalty to sustainability. Both straps feature black DLC titanium and black ceramic folding clasps, complementing the watch's overall aesthetic. The all-new Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE OPS is currently available through authorized dealers for $66,500. 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 Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Ulysse Nardin

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 18, 2023

URWERK Releases Its New Blue Titanium UR-100V 'Time And C...

Today, URWERK Geneve launched the all-new UR-100V 'Time And Culture II', featuring intricate laser-engraved motifs. In a new artistic leap towards the future of independent watchmaking, URWERK dives into the hotbed of civilization, Mesopotamia, to draw inspiration for its second edition of the UR-100V Time and Culture Collection. The Swiss watch brand's latest offering, titled 'Sumer,' honors the city of Ur and the Sumerians who defined the first unit of time around 3000 BC. Known for their astronomical wisdom and rich mythology, the Sumerians chose the golden number 60, laying the groundwork for the 60-second minute and 60-minute hour we use today. From its mythology to its architecture, the Sumerian influence is palpable in every detail of the UR-100V 'Sumer.' Nestled beneath its sapphire dome is a tribute to ancient figures like Utu, the Sun god, represented in a modern yet timeless four-pointed design. Orbiting subtlety between the lugs is the moon god Nanna, adding another layer of celestial reverence to the watch. The UR-100V 'Sumer' features a mesmerizing blue hue that pays homage to lapis lazuli, a stone intimately connected to Innana, the goddess of Love, War, and Fertility. Surrounding the central theme are authentic sky charts and planispheres, mirroring the Sumerians' profound understanding of astronomy and astrology. The watch’s intricate motifs are laser-engraved with meticulous care, offering a level of detail only truly appreciated under magnification. This new UR-100V presents an exploration of the Earth's rotation and revolution. After the 60th minute elapses, the minutes hand transforms into a kilometer counter, quantifying the 477.29 kilometers every Ur inhabitant would cover in 20 minutes due to Earth's rotation. The UR-100V celebrates both time and space, paying a fitting tribute to the Mesopotamian civilization that first pondered these questions. 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 Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: URWERK Geneve

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 11, 2023

Girard-Perregaux Launches Its All-New Neo Constant Escape...

As a pioneering Swiss watch brand that continues to evolve its collection with modern design characteristics and movement technology, Girard-Perregaux prides itself on engineering a whole new era of Haute Horology. Girard-Perregaux has once again showcased its success in the watch world with yet another incredible release. Remembering the awards the Constant Escapement L.M. earned in 2013, including the prestigious 'Aiguille d’Or' at the GPHG, the brand has now introduced its latest marvel, the Neo Constant Escapement. This evolution embodies the brand’s deep-rooted heritage while making bold strides in modern watchmaking. One striking feature of the new Neo Constant Escapement is its avant-garde design, paying homage to Constant Girard's revolutionary idea from 1867. The Neo Constant Escapement showcases its intricate inner workings, making them a part of its aesthetic appeal while drawing inspiration from the prize-winning pocket watch of yesteryears. Girard-Perregaux has managed to reduce the number of components in this latest timepiece compared to the 2013 model, favoring efficiency over complexity. Addressing a common challenge in watchmaking, where the force exerted by the spring barrel can fluctuate, the Constant Escapement ensures a steady supply of power for exceptional precision. With 13 patents, 30% of which are brand new, the Neo Constant Escapement is an example of Girard-Perregaux's continued commitment to innovation. Come January 2024, this masterpiece will be available for purchase, though in limited quantities to ensure it remains a prized possession for those lucky enough to own one. Combining rich history, modern design, and cutting-edge technology, the all-new Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement is set to come with a retail price tag of $99,600. 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: Girard-Perregaux

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 22, 2023

TAG Heuer x Team Ikuzawa x Bamford Collaborate On ALimite...

TAG Heuer collaborates with Team Ikuzawa and design master George Bamford on an exclusive watch. When it comes to horology and motorsport, few collaborations prompt as much excitement as TAG Heuer partnering with Team Ikuzawa for the first time. Backed by the automotive-inspired heritage of TAG Heuer and the watch customization expertise of George Bamford, this fuel-driven partnership welcomes a limited-edition watch that marries racing heritage, style, and Swiss watchmaking. The all-new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph X Team Ikuzawa by Bamford acts as a nod to the legacy of Tetsu Ikuzawa, a racing legend who switched from motorcycles to four wheels, eventually becoming a monumental figure in Japanese motorsport. The collaboration is further enriched by Mai Ikuzawa, who has emerged as a connoisseur in Japanese design culture, an influential automotive ambassador, and a bridge between fashion and the car industry. Completing the trio is George Bamford, with his deeply rooted love for cars and respect for TAG Heuer which proves to be the perfect match for this innovative partnership. The styling of the Carrera Chronograph X Team Ikuzawa is crafted in red and white to honor Team Ikuzawa’s iconic livery. The 42mm steel case encloses a white opaline dial with striking red accents and polished rhodium-plated indexes and hands for easy deciphering. Powered by TAG Heuer's in-house Heuer 02 Caliber, the automatic chronograph movement is water-resistant up to 100 meters and as versatile as it is visually captivating. Limited to just 100 pieces, each bearing a special sapphire case back with the “Team Ikuzawa” logo, this watch is presented in co-branded TAG Heuer x Team Ikuzawa packaging. Celebrating the power of passion, innovation, and craftsmanship, this exclusive timepiece honors TAG Heuer's commitment to celebrating racing culture. The all-new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph X Team Ikuzawa by Bamford is currently available through an authorized dealer with price upon request. Source: TAG Heuer