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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 – December 15, 2020

Richard Mille Unveils The Motorsport Inspired RM 65-01 Ch...

It is nothing new to say that Richard Mille holds close ties with the automotive world, as we continue to see exquisite timepiece collaborations with McLaren. Although the luxury watches by Richard Mille use complex movements, the new motorsport-inspired RM 65-01 Chronograph is deemed the most complex automatic calibre. The RMAC4 Calibre is a skeletonized automatic winding movement with hours, minutes, seconds at 6 o’clock, date, the split-seconds chronograph with a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, and a 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock. The RM65-01 also features a function selector, rapid winding, and a variable-geometry rotor. The inspiration behind design comes right from the track, as weight is shed anywhere possible to ensure maximum comfort without sacrificing performance. The styling of the dial illustrates Richard Mille's iconic use of vibrant colors, while the Carbon TPT case and band stay sleek with a matte black finish. As always, this is another Richard Mille to add to the wish list, as well as the collector’s watch list. Learn more about the new motorsport-inspired Richard Mille RM 65-01 by clicking the link below. Learn More

By Edward Jones – October 15, 2020

The New Richard Mille RM 53-02 Tourbillon Sapphire Has An...

One of the most exciting aspects of watches is the engineering that goes into complex pieces. A perfect example of a watchmaker's ability to engineer in such an exciting way has to be the new Richard Mille RM 53-02 Tourbillon Sapphire. For starters, the bezel, caseband and caseback are all crafted out of a single block of sapphire crystal. It should go without being said that this is no easy feat. In fact, Richard Mille is the only company to create such a complex case design out of sapphire. If that wasn't enough, the movement of the RM 53-02 is suspended inside the case by braided cables. The watchmaker behind the watch has to ensure that the 0.27 mm cables have the correct amount of tension after being run through the 10 pulleys. Because of this unique and incredible feat of engineering, the RM 53-02 has a shock absorption rating that can take on more than 5,000 g's. Between the construction of the case and the way the movement is held in place, the new Richard Mille RM 53-02 Tourbillon Sapphire is both a piece of art and feat of engineering. If you're interested in adding this watch to your collection, act fast because only ten examples are planned to be created. For more information, be sure to click the button below. Visit RichardMille.com

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By Jordan Aquistapace – September 24, 2020

The New Richard Mille RM 27-04 Celebrates Rafael Nadal's ...

Rafael Nadal is arguably one of the best tennis players to ever touch the court, but he is also a key brand ambassador for Richard Mille. The duo had collaborated on the previous RM 27-03 back in 2017, a tribute Nadal’s homeland. Richard Mille announced the second watch project celebrating the tennis star, referenced as the RM 27-04. The uniquely designed watch dial features a transparent mesh cross pattern surrounded by a brown 46mm case. The vibrant orange crown and blue strap allow for each design feature of the RM 27-04 to stand out while they, at the same time, complement each other. The purpose behind the newest addition is to be lightweight, while still maintaining its notorious strength. The Richard Mille RM 27-04 Rafael Nadal edition has broken a world record for reaching a 12,000 g shock resistance. Although this is the second project with Rafael Nadal, it will definitely not be his last. Learn More

By Edward Jones – April 23, 2020

Bid on Bubba Watson's Richard Mille Watch and a NASCAR Ri...

Bubba Watson and Denny Hamlin have teamed up for Fanatics' "All-In Challenge" and are auctioning off something very special. First up is a true 2021 Daytona 500 experience with Hamlin. It starts with a meet-and-greet, four hot passes, four suite passes, four seats on top of the FedEx pitbox and a ride-along Hamlin on the track. The winner will also either receive a signed, race-worn helmet or fire suit. After that, it's time to play 18 holes of golf at Michael Jordan's private course, The Grove XXIII. Joining Hamlin and the auction winner is Bubba Watson. After the final putt on the 18th hole, it's off to lunch where the winner will be gifted two sets of PING golf clubs complete with a custom fitting. The cherry on top is Watson gifting the winner the Richard Mille RM 39-01 Automatic Winding Flyback Chronograph Aviation watch. This watch has a retail price of over $150,000! Whatever the winning bid on this auction is, 100% of the money raised will go directly to Feeding America, Meals On Wheels, World Central Kitchen and No Kid Hungry. For more information, click the button below! Learn More https://www.instagram.com/p/B--WAs_j9hU/?igshid=1si572iqn00qs Source: Fanatics.com, Image Source: Richard Mille

By Edward Jones – December 19, 2019

Richard Mille Announces RM 33-02 Automatic

Richard Mille has introduced their follow-up to the RM 033, the new RM 33-02. Like the original, it has a circular case and is as flat as its internals will allow. The new RM 033-02 has a design that's mixed both a 'lifestyle' style and sporty style. To give it a more sporty look, Richard Mille has constructed the RM 033-02 out of durable and stylish. For the front and back bezels, Carbon TPT was used while the caseband is crafted out of red gold. Keeping the case together are 14 grade 5 titanium screws. Altogether, it's lightweight and able to withstand a beating. Speaking of lightweight, the dial itself is just 0.75 mm thick and is sculpted in a way that the wearer can see the mechanics lying underneath. For the movement, Richard Mille went with the Calibre RMXP1, bearing a 45-hour power reserve and an off-center monoblock platinum rotor. The Richard Mille RM 33-02 will be limited to just 140 examples and comes with a price tag of $145,000. You can learn more by clicking here. Latest Watch News

By Edward Jones – November 15, 2019

Pharrell Williams x Richard Mille Watch is Out of This World

Pharrell Williams and Richard Mille have teamed up to create the new RM 52-05 Tourbillon Pharrell Williams. It doesn't take more than a glance at the watch to know that space was the inspiration behind it. Its face shows an astronaut looking to Earth from Mars, a visual that's only possible through artistic representations for the time being. For the mechanics of the watch, it features the manual-winding tourbillon movement from the RM52-05 calibre. You can get a great glimpse of the movement and baseplate by turning the watch over. For the baseplate, Richard Mille went with Grade 5 titanium, a material frequently used in the aerospace and aeronautics industries. Blue aventurine glass is also visible through the back of the watch, which resembles outer space. You can learn more about this watch by visiting RichardMille.com. Source: Richard Mille (Facebook, RichardMille.com)

By Edward Jones – October 04, 2019

New Richard Mille RM 62-01 Watch Has a Vibrating Alarm

Richard Mille is following up the Alfa Romeo Racing Team-Inspired RM 50-04, a watch priced at over $1 million, with yet another watch worth seven figures. The new RM 62-01 Tourbillon Vibrating Alarm ACJ is a $1,225,000 watch that has a bevy of features that make it the perfect fit for the affluent traveler. Richard Mille teamed up with Airbus Corporate Jets for this watch, which explains the traveler aspect of the watch. It features a manual-winding toubillon movement, green UTC hand which indicates the second time zone, 70-hour power reserve (power is indicated at the 11-o-clock), and more. But what should really be mentioned is the watch's vibrating alarm. Richard Mille installed an oscillating weight made of white gold. When it's time for the alarm to go off, this weight oscillates at 5,400 rpm, making the watch vibrate. This allows the wearer to be notified of an alarm while not disturbing others while traveling. The oscillating weight made of white gold. As for the watch's design, it's heavily inspired by planes. The is most noticeable plane-inspired aspect of the watch is the crown, which resembles a plane's turbine. The case itself is crafted out of titanium and Carbon TPT®. The new Richard Mille RM 62-01 is a very limited edition, with only 30 pieces to be sold. For more information, click here. https://www.instagram.com/p/B215pnvDBFt Image Source: RichardMille.com, Instagram/@richardmilleofficial

By Edward Jones – September 23, 2019

New $1 Million Alfa Romeo Racing Team-Inspired Richard Mi...

During the 2019 Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix, Richard Mille took the time to unveil their new RM 50-04 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Kimi Räikkönen timepiece. This new timepiece not only honors Räikkönen, but also his racing team: Alfa Romeo Racing Team. The RM 50-04 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Kimi Räikkönen features manual winding tourbillon movement. There's also a hours, minutes, split-seconds chronograph, and a 30-minute totalizer. If you're interested, act fast because only 30 pieces are to be produced with a price of $1,063,000. Also Check Out: McLaren Speedtail Takes “Best of Show” at Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille McLaren x Richard Mille Watch Revealed Image Source

By Edward Jones – March 07, 2018

McLaren x Richard Mille Watch Revealed

McLaren Automotive and Richard Mille have launched their first collaborative timepiece, the RM 11-03 McLaren Automatic Flyback Chronograph.Unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, this new timepiece is limited to just 500 examples and priced at $191,000. McLaren will also be limiting availability to mostly Ultimate Series clients.The RM 11-03 has a case made of Carbon TBT® that is interlaced in Orange Quarts TPT®, resulting in a visual that will mesh well with any McLaren automobile. Mirroring the shape of the McLaren F1's air snorkel are the titanium inserts, which also include the McLaren logo. Another touch that's similar to a McLaren automobile is the grade 5 titanium crown that's shaped like a McLaren wheel.View All McLaren 570S for Sale As for its inner workings, the RM 11-03 uses an automatic RMAC3 caliber mechanism with a flyback chronograph and 55-hour reserve.McLaren Senna GTR Concept Revealed: Track-Only Madness

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