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 – June 24, 2026

From Track to Wrist: The Best Porsche Design Watches

Traditionally showcasing its talents on the race track, Porsche prides itself on offering a selection of performance-focused sports cars and SUVs. With a true passion for design, founder F.A. Porsche began the brand’s lifestyle division by creating a coveted timepiece titled Chronograph 1. Porsche Design continues to evolve with an array of products and accessories while maintaining its efforts on expanding its collection of automotive-inspired watches. Along with special edition examples and custom configurations, Porsche Design also presents exclusive vehicle watches that are offered only to clients with an allocation. The diversity and heritage within Porsche Design’s luxury timepieces are what makes them one of the most celebrated among collectors and enthusiasts. With so many incredible models to choose from, this is our carefully curated list of the best Porsche-inspired watches ever created. Learn more about each luxury timepiece featured in this special by clicking on the links below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury watch news and releases. Shop Porsche Does Porsche make its own watches? Porsche itself doesn't actually make watches, but its design division, Porsche Design, does. So, while Porsche cars and Porsche Design watches come from the same family, the watches are crafted by specialized experts dedicated to performance timepieces that carry that Porsche spirit on your wrist. Are Porsche Design watches made by IWC? Porsche Design watches used to be made by IWC. Back in the ’90s and early 2000s, they teamed up to create some iconic pieces. But these days, Porsche Design handles its own watchmaking. They’ve brought everything in-house, focusing on their own style and tech to create modern watches that really capture that Porsche vibe. Do Porsche Design watches hold value? When it comes to holding value, they're not typically the kind of watches that skyrocket in price like some vintage Rolex or Patek models. That said, Porsche Design watches are known for their solid build quality, distinctive styling, and strong brand heritage, which is linked to Porsche's automotive excellence, which helps them maintain a decent resale value over time. If you pick a limited edition or a model with some rare features, it could hold or even increase its value a bit more. When was the first Porsche Design watch created? The first Porsche Design watch came out back in 1972. It was a pretty big deal because it was one of the first all-black watches on the market. Chronograph 1 – 1975 Limited Edition Shop Now Chronograph 1 – All Black Numbered Edition Shop Now Smartwatch Porsche x Garmin® Epix Pro Shop Now Chronograph 1 Utility – Limited Edition Shop Now Chronograph - Watchmakers' Choice Speed Yellow Shop Now Chronograph 1 - PCA Member Edition Shop Now Chronograph 1 – 75 Years of Porsche Edition Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 30, 2021

Makes And Movements: 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 x Porsche Desig...

Porsche Design 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. 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. 2022 Porsche 992 911 GT3 Porsche continues to deliver a vast variety of luxury models for any situation, whether it's a daily commuter or weekend track toy. The GT series accelerates Porsche into a class of motorsport that is enjoyed by car enthusiasts of all kinds, and it starts with the 911 GT3. The 2022 Porsche 992 911 GT3 is the latest step forward for the German automotive manufacturer, as the appearance, performance, and comfort are altered using state-of-the-art technology to enhance the experience of driving a 911 GT3. The exterior features a newly-designed rear spoiler and hood vents to achieve perfect aerodynamics while cooling areas of the car that see temperature increase during track driving. The inspiration of motorsports finds its way inside the Porsche 911 GT3 with added features like the Multifunctional Sport steering wheel and drive mode switch, carbon fiber full bucket seats, and a “track screen” available to limit information surrounding the tachometer. Inside and out, the 2022 Porsche 992 911 GT3 focuses on lightweight design and performance, and that’s even before we talk about the engine. It’s easy to see the beauty behind the redesign of the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3, but the performance is what makes it one of the best supercars on the market. The iconic naturally aspirated 4.0L six-cylinder boxer engine revs to 9,000 rpm, generating 502-horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque, an almost identical set up to the GT3 Cup Cars. This engine, which was first introduced in the limited-production 2019 911 Speedster, has been further optimized for use in the new 911 GT3 with new pistons. Managing the power produced comes in available options of a 7-speed Porsche PDK or 6-speed manual transmission, making the track-focused 911 GT3 a functional driving experience for all to enjoy. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph with the standard seven-speed PDK takes only 3.2 seconds and top track speed is 197 mph. Why To Buy The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 was created to improve on the already successful models before its time, which now is still considered to be some of the most desirable vehicles for car collectors. The experience of driving a vehicle of its caliber truly explains where Porsche began as a manufacturer and where it’s heading in the future. Although securing a chassis may be a tough task at hand, the reward of experiencing a race car on the road is much greater. Even with a mandatory year of ownership before selling, it's no surprise that the newest GT3 will be a successful investment for 2nd ownership, that is if you can find someone willing to part ways with one of the best Porsche models ever made. View All Porsche 911 GT3 For Sale Porsche Design 911 GT3 Chronograph Porsche Design features a Sports Chronograph configuration program that allows the customer to fully spec a watch just as they would a vehicle at the dealership. The process interconnects the watch and automotive worlds while offering the ability to create a one-of-one example to match your vehicle or dream Porsche model. The announcement of the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 left Porsche Design with the idea of creating an exclusive 911 GT3 Chronograph for owners of the new chassis, using the configurator to match their vehicle order. Each Porsche Design 911 GT3 Chronograph features the ability to completely customize the appearance to match a specification using a special login provided by Porsche after ordering the vehicle. Like its motorized role model, the new Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3 exudes inspiration with its ornate design, consistent performance, and exquisite craftsmanship. The close connection between the timepiece and the sports car is unmistakable at first glance. The watch is driven by the Werk 01.200 movement, which can be viewed through the GT3 Wheel styled winding rotor. The Porsche Design GT3 Chronograph is sure to pair well as a collector’s example next to the all-new Porsche 992 911 GT3. The black Porsche sports car leather strap features “GT3” script and is adorned with contrasting stitches made from Porsche vehicle thread in four colors. Why To Buy A "why to buy" quickly turned into a "why to own" considering the Porsche Design 911 GT3 Chronograph is only offered to purchase for new 911 GT3 owners. The styling and performance of the GT3 Chronograph by Porsche Design perfectly compliments the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3. As an exclusive release, this timepiece will grow in collector value for both watch and Porsche enthusiasts. View Porsche Design 911 GT3 Chronograph For more Makes and Movements, Check out Makes And Movements: Koenigsegg Agera X Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 28, 2021

Makes And Movements: Porsche 911 Heritage Design Edition ...

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. 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. Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition It seems that in the automotive world, anything created and released by Porsche is considered to be special, so how do you know when something is extra special? The answer is when it comes with a name like Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition. The limited-edition release from Porsche inspired by the spirit of the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s are bringing the lifestyle of bygone times back to the road, honoring iconic Porsche classics with numerous design highlights. The limited-edition 911 features five exclusive paint colors to choose from, one being Cherry Metallic, to pair with the 50s inspired gold badging incorporated throughout the vehicle. Added to the paintwork are white motorsport-inspired graphics, recalling the early days of Porsche competition racing history. A classically designed Carrara Exclusive wheel comes equipped on each example, with a set of classic-look black finished brake calipers. Overall, Porsche hit the nail on the head when looking to blend styles from past eras into one modern appearance. The first Heritage Design model is based on the new 992 generation 911 Targa introduced just days ago and has been equipped with the latest technology for chassis, assistance systems, and infotainment. A twin-turbocharged boxer six-cylinder provides 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque to the special edition 911 Targa 4S. An 8-speed PDK transmission paired with Porsche’s technical four-wheel-drive system allows for a 3.6 second 0-60 mph time, while other configurations offer different results. While the Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Edition is limited, each vehicle is still configurable with available options such as a manual transmission and sports chrono package. The performance behind the 911 Targa 4S best blends high-performance with functional drivability. Why To Buy Porsche continues to be an industry leader in the automotive segment, with each highlighted milestone celebrated with a limited production vehicle results in a new collectors example. The automotive world saw it with vintage Porsche models, making enthusiasts kick themselves for not buying when they could. The Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Edition is a great buy because it incorporates all of the design stylings from the greatest eras of sportscars, making it a piece of automotive history. Mechanically, the Porsche 911 Targa 4S platform is a performance packed four-wheel-drive vehicle ready for all elements of weather. Lastly, the production of Heritage Edition Porsches is limited to 992 units to signify the current 911 generation, making it a rare chassis to own. View All Porsche 911 Targa 4S For Sale Porsche Design 911 Heritage Design Chronograph n most cases, if you are lucky enough to purchase a new Porsche, it may be a less than likely decision that a luxury watch purchase would come shortly after. The Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Edition put that thought to rest because once an enthusiast secures a limited edition chassis, they also lock in a limited edition Porsche Design to match the vehicle. The timepiece is meant to signify past vehicle design features that inspired the special project by Porsche. This mechanical watch has an elegant and clean design and, just like the car, is limited to 992 units. Again just like the car, the designers have drawn their inspiration for many of its details from the legendary Porsche 356 and iconic Porsche 911 Targa. For example, the design of its watch face, with its white second hand and Phosphorus Green rings, is inspired by the cars' speedometer and rev counter while the hours on the watch face are inscribed in a font that is deeply characteristic of Porsche. The new watch's strap is made of genuine Porsche interior leather and the way that 911 is embossed in it is a further tribute to the iconic sports car. Why To Buy A "why to buy" quickly turned into a "why to own" considering the luxury Chronograph by Porsche Design is gifted to each of the 992 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Edition owners. The limited production watch is a must because it holds significance as a collector example based on the quality and story attached to it as a one-of-a-kind project by Porsche Design. The Chronograph itself provides comfort from the premium leather strap, and just as the 911 is functional, it also features a 48-hour power reserve and 150-meter water resistance. Plus, it would be extremely cool to own a watch that matches your limited edition Porsche 911. Shop Porsche Design Watches For more Makes and Movements, Check out Makes And Movements: Land Rover Defender 110 By Fusion Motors x Eberhard & Co. Scafograf 300

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 21, 2020

Watch The Porsche Design Sports Chronograph Configurator ...

In the past, we covered the Porsche Design Sports Chronograph Configurator program that allows each customer to fully customize a watch using an array of Porsche colors and other design aspects. Porsche owners and enthusiasts can match their current or dream car to a luxury sports watch. Porsche released a video on YouTube that shows behind the scenes content on how each watch is constructed and displayed for each lucky owner. It highlights the attention to detail and quality of materials that Porsche Design uses when crafting the chronograph. Build a Porsche Design Sports Chronograph using the Configurator by clicking the link below. Configure The Porsche Design Sports Chronograph " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 15, 2020

Porsche Design Custom-Timepieces to Match Your Dream Porsche

The thought of adoring every single aspect of a timepiece seems to be a far-fetched idea. Otherwise, it would be the absolute perfect watch. The fact that every individual enjoys different colors, styles, materials, and functions make it an extensive process for watch manufacturers to create a model that tailors to everyone. Porsche Design has released a program that will give that individual creative power. The new program is Porsche Design’s Custom-Built Timepiece Configurator, similar to the design process of configuring a Porsche 911. The online program allows for up to 1.5 million design possible combinations, ensuring that there is the perfect watch for every Porsche owner and enthusiast. The Porsche Design Chronograph is the canvas for the detailed building process. An in-house WERK 01.100 calibre is embedded and drives each watch produced. The case and clasp are made from titanium, with the available color options of silver and black. Bezel options for the program include a tachymeter or timer with color choices of both black and silver. Porsche Design allows for customization of the smallest details like the hands that track the time. The option “Essence” will feature gloss black with a red tip, whereas “Performance” is matte white with a red. Color codes directly from Porsche vehicles are used for the paintable areas of the watch, which are the ring on the dial, leather strap, and contour stitching. The watchband is also available in titanium with silver and black being the color choices. The backing of a new custom Porsche Design Chronograph will match a Porsche wheel of the individual’s liking or a winding rotor and feature a partial skeleton display. The personal touches wrap up the unique experience with the ability to choose a plaque graphic engraving or personalized text. The timepiece begins at $5,150 before choosing customizable options. Porsche Design’s newly U.S. watch configuration program is now available and found by clicking the link below. Shop Now

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