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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 11, 2021

Hublot Unveils The New Limited-Edition Big Bang Camo Texas

Hublot is excited to reveal the Texas Limited Edition Big Bang Camo, a tribute to the Lone Star State. As the Big Bang Collection continues to grow with unique examples, Hublot begins to look outside the norm from inspirational influence. As seen through its last collaboration project, the Swiss watch manufacturer paid homage to the wonderful city of San Francisco with a commemorative piece. Hublot is proud to announce today that they have taken a trip to the Lone Star State in an effort to grace the watch world with a new limited-edition example. The all-new Hublot Big Bang Camo Texas is the product of the brand’s boutique involvement in the state where everything is bigger. The Big Bang Camo Texas is presented as a 44mm chronograph crafted from micro-blasted blue ceramic. The dial design features a one-of-a-kind blue camouflage print that clearly displays the multitude of functions that the watch is equipped with from the factory. MUST-READ: Top 10 Chronograph Watches Available At WatchBox Tying into the theme of the lone star state, Hublot proudly displays a large star as the 12 o’clock indicator. The new addition to the Big Bang collection is driven by the brand’s in-house HUB4100 self-winding mechanical movement, which holds an impressive 42-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. The transparent backcase allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the watch, while the outer portion includes the colors of the Texas flag and engravings to signify the limited-edition release. As the Big Bang is known as a truly functional watch, Hublot adds a comfortable blue rubber strap with camouflage decor. The all-new Hublot Big Bang Camo Texas is limited to only 25-pieces and is available through an authorized dealer for $18,000. Shop the new lone star edition Hublot Big Bang by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. Shop The Hublot Big Bang Camo Texas Source: Hublot

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 10, 2021

Jacob & Co. Releases The New Limited-Edition Astronomia W...

Jacob & Co. takes to the sky for its newest space-inspired luxury timepiece. While the Astronomia Collection continues to grow for the Jacob & Co. brand, the iconic timepiece acts as a blank canvas for limitless ideas and artistic visions. For the newest addition to the lineup of hand-crafted luxury timepieces, Jacob & Co. is setting its site for the unknown world of space. The all-new Astronomia Maestro Worldtime sets the scene for what space travel is like behind the sapphire crystal. The highly-exclusive example is presented as a 50mm Grande Complication crafted from 18k Rose Gold. The artistic vision is incorporated into the one-of-a-kind dial design, where a hand-painted scene of the solar system is meticulously depicted to act as the legate backdrop of the timepiece. MUST-READ: Makes And Movements: Koenigsegg Agera X Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon As part of the Gravitational Triple Axis flying Tourbillon, the Astronomia Maestro Worldtime incorporates a flying spaceman figurine and globe to represent the capabilities of the limited-edition example. Delivering power to the new release from Jacob & Co. is the brand’s in-house JCFM11A movement, which provides a lengthy 50-hour power reserve and 10-meter water resistance. Completing the elegant styling of the Astronomia Maestro Worldtime, Jacob & Co. adds a hand-crafted large-scale blue leather strap with a matching 18k rose gold clasp. The new Jacob & Co. Astronomia Maestro Worldtime is limited to only 18-pieces and is currently available through an authorized dealer. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Jacob & Co.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 10, 2021

Tudor x Marine Nationale Release The New Pelagos FXD Dive...

Tudor teams up with the French Navy to reimagine the classic 1950s dive watch. As easy as it is to get lost in the wonderful world of luxury watches, we always take a step back to remember their intended use as functional tools for industry professionals. Dive watches seem to be the most celebrated example of wristwatch tools, as they are commonly responsible for sparking the interest of collectors and enthusiasts. Tudor is proud to announce the newest addition to its collection in collaboration with the French Navy. The all-new Tudor x Marine Nationale Pelagos FXD is a product of pairing traditional 1950s design with modern movement technology. MUST-READ: The 10 Best Luxury Dive Watches The Tudor Pelagos FXD is presented in a 42mm case design hand-crafted from titanium with a Navy Blue Bidirectional rotating bezel. The use of matte Navy Blue is incorporated into the dial where the Pelagos FXD displays the hours, minutes, and seconds functions. Supplying power to the nautical piece is Tudor’s in-house MT5602 self-winding mechanical movement, which provides a lengthy 79-hour power reserve and holds a 200-meter water resistance. The backcase features a titanium design engraved with the Marine Nationale logo and production year to signify the special release from Tudor. As a truly versatile timepiece, the Tudor Pelagos FXD is equipped with a navy blue/grey nylon strap and an additional navy blue rubber strap included within the packaging. The all-new Tudor x Marine Nationale Pelagos FXD is currently available through an authorized dealer with a price tag of $3,900. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. Don't forget to Follow duPont REGISTRY Watches on Instagram! View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Tudor

By Edward Jones – November 09, 2021

It All Starts With an Idea – The BLAKEN Customization

Presented by Blaken - Around the world, Blaken is the number one service enterprise for customizing and personalizing luxury watches. An experienced team of specialists takes original luxury models from high-quality brands and, at their design studio in Menden, gives the timepieces a unique new look using their visual transformation process, transforming every aspect according to their client's individual desires. The transformation process is purely limited to visually redesigning and converting the original parts from the original brands. Blaken personalization is 100% in line with the "Made in Germany" mark, based on patented high-tech processes, and respects the original product throughout the process. Depending on the work required, the transformation can take up to twelve weeks, during which a team of master watchmakers, engineers, and materials experts turn a luxury watch into a personalized luxury watch. Harder than high-grade steel – the DLC coating The DLC coating process is what gives your Blaken that characteristic elegant slate-to-black look. DLC stands for “diamond-like carbon”. It takes more than 16 days for a Blaken to complete all of the steps in the personalization process, overseen and checked by our team of specialized engineers and materials experts. The result is a perfect jewel-like surface with a sheen and toughness virtually unsurpassable with the current state of science and technology. Our process is patented, making Blaken the only provider in the world to employ this technology. The protective, non-allergenic, diamond-like carbon layers are a mere 5 to 7 micrometers thin – to put this into context: an average sheet of standard writing paper is 80 micrometers thick. In addition, these coats are up to eight times harder than high-grade steel, making them extremely scratch-resistant. Originally these coatings were developed as wear protection for motor racing, aerospace and medical technology, as their low friction made them ideal for technical applications on steel and other cemented carbides. They represent a fusion of new design and durability standards, creating the perfect protective layers for luxury timepieces, whether worn by divers, skippers, mountaineers or CEOs. Visit Blaken.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 09, 2021

The New Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph

Traditional 1950s styling paired with modern timekeeping technology from Blancpain. Built off the idea of supplying pilots with the necessary tools to help achieve successful trips to the sky, Blancpain released the ever-popular Air Command wristwatch in the 1950s. Since its debut, Blancpain continues to re-imagine the classic model with new design features and movement technology. Blancpain is proud to announce the newest addition to its collection, the Air Command Flyback Chronograph presented in grade 23 Titanium or Red Gold. The new Air Command takes on a 42.5mm case design with an elegant blue bezel and chronograph dial layout. MUST-READ: Top 10 Chronograph Watches Available At WatchBox Along with its given functions of traditional timekeeping, the new release from Blancpain includes the flyback chronograph complication, which measures a succession of elapsed times, eliminates many superfluous repetitive operations. Delivering power to the Air Command is the brand’s in-house F388B automatic movement, which provides a lengthy 50-hour power reserve and 30-meter water resistance. The transparent backcase allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the mechanism, while the outer portion is engraved to signify the special release from Blancpain. For a final classic touch, the Air Command Flyback Chronograph is paired with a sporty blue calfskin leather strap with white stitching. The all-new Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph is now available through an authorized dealer starting at $18,500. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Blancpain

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 08, 2021

The New $208K Custom Patek Philippe Nautilus by Designa I...

A new custom design for the iconic Patek Philippe Nautilus. While the watch market is flooded with highly-exclusive luxury timepieces, collectors and enthusiasts dream of the day when they acquire their grail piece. A majority of the watch community can agree that the Patek Philippe Nautilus is an example that checks off all the boxes of being a collection must-have. The customization professionals at Designa Individual are taking the Nautilus to a whole new level by re-imagining its traditional styling. The Designa Individual Black Grail project is a part of the brand's Carbon Collection and takes over 6 months of handcrafting in order to achieve the highest level of finishing. MUST-READ: 8 Grail Watches From Industry Insiders The texturized carbon finish of the watch is paired with a black date-only dial that includes Designa Individual’s logo at the 6 o’clock position. The transparent backcase allows for a closer look at the inner workings of Patek Philippe’s in-house Caliber 324 S C movement. The Black Grail Project features commemorative packaging that includes a black velvet oak watch box and official warranty information that stores inside. The all-new Patek Philippe Black Grail Project is currently available through the brand's website for $208,421. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Designa Individual

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 05, 2021

Top Watch News This Week

A quick recap on the luxury watches released this week. Recently, We created duPont REGISTRY Watches as a new Instagram page dedicated to posting the newest and most exclusive luxury timepieces. Today, we have compiled a list of the top watch releases of the week from the best brands in the industry. Click any of the links below for more information on the current watches. Roger Dubuis x Lamborghini Release The New Excalibur Spider Huracán ST EVO 2 View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Learn More Top Automotive-Inspired Watches View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Learn More Vacheron Constantin Releases The Traditionnelle Complete Calendar in 18k White Gold View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Learn More The Top 10 Best Richard Mille Watches Ever Created View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Learn More For more Watch news, Check out The Best Luxury Watches Under $5,000

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 – November 02, 2021

Vacheron Constantin Releases The Traditionnelle Complete ...

Traditional styling packed with state-of-the-art movement technology by Vacheron Constantin. Vacheron Constantin is known for designing and manufacturing some of the most desirable timepieces on the market. The brand holds a rich heritage of traditional watchmaking, which is still being incorporated into its modern examples to this day. Vacheron Constantin is excited to announce the newest addition to its collection of fine handcrafted timepieces, the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar. The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar is presented as a 41mm grand complication with a case design crafted from 18k white gold. The velvet-finish dial design modestly highlights the functions of the watch, which include hours, minutes, seconds, complete calendar, precision moon phase, and age of the moon. MUST-READ: The Best Luxury Watches Under $5,000 Delivering power to the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar is Vacheron Constantin’s in-house 2460 QCL/1 mechanical self-winding movement, which holds a 40-hour power reserve and 30-meter water resistance. The openwork backcase allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the watch, while the outer portion engravings signify the special release from Vacheron Constantin. Staying traditional to its elegant styling, Vacheron Constantin adds a comfortable genuine large-square black leather strap and matching 18k white gold buckle. The all-new Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar in 18k white gold is now available through an authorized dealer for the price of $41,300. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Vacheron Constantin

By Edward Jones – October 30, 2021

Keep Your Watches Wound With These Orbita Watchwinders

SPARTA BLUE There is no getting around the fact that watch lovers are also watch-winder lovers, so they don’t have to consistently reset their automatic watches if they have been off the wrist for longer than the power reserve of the watch. For this reason, family-owned and American-made Orbita spends a great deal of time and research on its styles and options. Considered an “entry-level” watch winder, this Spar ta blue winder is compact and light in weight and is a great addition to a collection because it does not need a plug-in adapter (making it perfect for use inside a safe). This winder is equipped with Orbita’s own long-life lithium D cell batteries that, when operating on an eight-minute winding cycle, can last for several years before needing to be replaced. They will last even longer if the owner opts for a 12-minute winding cycle. A toggle switch behind the mounting holder gives the wearer the choice. A single holder retails for $295.This double watch winder retails for $595. Learn More TOURBILLON Just as in the world of luxury watches, where a tourbillon escapement in a watch compensates for errors in timekeeping due to the effects of gravity when the watch is in certain positions, this Orbita Tourbillonwatch winder does the same. Its revolutionary digital technology not only displays the exact time and the number of turns per day (TPD) of the winder, but also is equipped with a unique photo-optic system that tracks each cylinder’s rotation and automatically advances the resting position by 30 degrees af ter ever y rotation. By shifting the resting position, adverse timing errors caused by gravity are negated. The complex and visually appealing Tourbillon winder sits within a glass crystal box – making its dance of time fully visible to the onlooker. Powered by a supplied AC/DC power adapter, the winder is a work of art for any tabletop. It comes in single and triple capacity (shown here). $2,995. Learn More Buy This Issue Now

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