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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 – February 24, 2021

Ulysse Nardin Unveils An Exclusive Diamond-Covered Sparkl...

Ulysse Nardin continues to push the boundaries of timepiece design and performance through its vast collection of luxury examples. The Swiss watchmaker is taking things a step further with the new Sparkling Free Wheel, a pavé stone-covered masterpiece limited to only eight pieces. The 44mm case is designed to highlight the inner workings of the UN-176 movement, capable of holding a 7-day power reserve and 30-meter water resistance. The complete construction of the dial entails 2,251 precious stones (5.90 carats) and 120-hours of meticulous work. The transparent back case features numbered engravings to signify the production number of each example. The Ulysse Nardin Sparkling FreeWheel features a carbon-touch black alligator band with a clasp also set with diamonds using the snow setting technique. Learn more about the exclusive Sparkling Free Wheel and shop all timepieces from Ulysse Nardin by clicking the link below. Shop Ulysse Nardin For more Watch news, Check out Safely Store Your Bitcoin With Franck Muller’s Vanguard Encrypto Watch Collection

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By Jordan Aquistapace – February 08, 2021

Ulysse Nardin Unveils A Diamond Set Skeleton X Sparkling ...

The Skeleton X Collection by Ulysse Nardin incorporates the beauty behind the mechanism that drives the watch. Ulysse Nardin is proud to announce the Skeleton X Sparkling, a 42mm traditional model design featuring diamonds set within the bezel and dial. The case options available are 18K Rose Gold and Titanium, both of which are paired with matching UN-371 movement components. Although the Skeleton X Sparkling appears as formal wear, Ulysse Nardin equipped the special edition with a 96-hour power reserve and 50-meter water resistance. After choosing between a dark and light case color, the watch is complemented with a black or white large scale alligator leather strap and matching clasp. The Ulysse Nardin Skeleton X Sparkling 42mm Collection is currently available through an authorized dealer by clicking the link below. Shop Now For more Watch news, Check out Makes And Movements: Koenigsegg Agera X Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon

By Edward Jones – November 19, 2020

See the Intricate Creation of the Ulysse Nardin Blast Watch

To create a watch a watchmaker must combine a ton of tiny little pieces in such a perfect way that their final product functions properly. From the tourbillon to the gears and jewels, everything needs to be placed perfectly. In a new video from Ulysse Nardin, we see some of the techniques used when their watchmakers are creating the new and stunning Blast watch. In the video, you'll get an idea of just how small some of the components can be and just how careful the watchmaker must be when placing them. When wearing a fantastic timepiece, like one from Ulysse Nardin, you should be proud of wearing just a work of art. From the engineering and designing phase to the actual construction, a lot goes into these luxurious timepieces. If you'd like to see more of the Ulysse Nardin Blast watch, be sure to click the button below. Visit Ulysse-Nardin.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 03, 2020

Ulysse Nardin Reveals An Aquatic Eco-Friendly Diver's Watch

Ulysse Nardin holds strong ties to the ocean as a watchmaker that continues to do its part to help develop solutions for the growing plastic pollution crisis in our oceans. The Swiss watch manufacturer recently introduced the launch of the new “R-STRAP”, a strap made from recycled fishing nets. Today, Ulysse Nardin has taken those renewable resources and applied them to the construction of an entire timepiece. The Ulysse Nardin Diver NET is the newest addition to the aquatic driven collection. The 44mm case is made from 100% recycled fishing nets with the help from FIL&FAB, a French recycling sector that breaks down the material into polyamide pellets. The traditional sapphire crystal has also been replaced with a transparent ceramic glass that has a lower environmental impact because of limited energy being used to produce it. A Ulysse Nardin UN-118 automatic movement drives the eco-friendly watch, which holds a 60-hour power reserve and 300-meter water resistance. The Diver NET is presented in green to represent the earth and its importance to a healthy aquatic eco-system. This watch is currently in the concept stage and is not available to purchase. Click the link below to shop for the rest of the pieces featured in the Ulysse Nardin diver collection. Shop Ulysse Nardin Diver Collection

By Edward Jones – October 29, 2020

Ulysse Nardin's New R-Strap is Made of Recycled Fishing Nets

Ulysse Nardin has teamed up with Ben Lacomte, the first person to swim across the Atlantic ocean with a board, to create the very special R-Strap. This new strap, which is compatible with the Diver 44 mm, Diver 42 mm, Diver Chronograph, Marine Torpilleur and Freak X watches, is made of a polyamide yarn made of recycle fishing nets. Ulysse Nardin created this strap after Ben's 300-nautical-mile voyage to bring awareness to not only the plastic polluting the ocean but the 300 million tonnes of plastic produced every year. Regarding his interaction with plastic polluting the ocean, Lacomate has this to say: "I’ve discovered endless masses of confetti. Swimming in a concentration of microplastics is like crossing a snowstorm where the flakes are millions of plastic particles. I realized that it was a huge problem. I felt distraught." Ulysse Nardin actually has a very close relationship with the ocean and marine wildlife. Not only have they been creating marine chronometers since 1846, but they also have close ties with the boating/yachting world. In fact, they are the official timekeepers of the 2020 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. If you happen to make it down to the boat show, Oct. 28 - Nov. 1, Ulysse Nardin will be exhibiting some of their incredible timepieces at the Windward VIP. Visit Ulysse-Nardin.com

By Edward Jones – September 08, 2020

New Ulysse Nardin Sparkling Blast Contains 211 Diamonds

Just one week after Ulysse Nardin unveiled the new Blast collection,m they are back again to blow us all away with yet another introduction. This time, however, the Blast is back but in a much more luminous fashion. Introducing the new Sparkling Blast. The inspiration of this watch, according to Ulysse Nardin, was to create "a talking timepiece that lands into a conversation like an atomic bomb, creating shockwaves of cracked diamonds in its cosmic setting." Within this watch are a total of 211 diamonds, for a total weight of 13 carats. To accomplish the mosaic-like appearance of the Sparkling Blast, Ulysse Nardin has placed these hand-cut by employing an "invisible setting. This process means that the artisans at Ulysse Nardin created hidden structures that hold each diamond, making them appear as if they're floating on the watch. In fact, this is the first time that Ulysse Nardin has utilized this process for placing diamonds. You can find these brilliant diamonds on the bezels, horns, and even the self-deploying buckle. Powering the Sparkling Blast is the UN-172 movement, just like the original Blast watches. This movement comes with a micro-rotor in platinum, 25 jewels, and a 72 hour power reserve. Ulysse Nardin has also equipped this timepiece with a 2.5 Hz Silicium flying automatic tourbillon. It's also rated for 50-meter water resistance. There will be two separate versions of the Sparkling Blast. The first is the white gold version with a white rubber strap, while the second is in white gold with a deep blue, alligator strap. Each model is limited to just three examples, meaning there will be six created in total. That's quite the exclusive timepiece. Its price is set at 410,000 CHF, which equates to roughly $450,000 USD. For more information, be sure to click the button below to visit Ulysse Nardin's website. Visit Ulysse-Nardin.com

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