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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 – October 21, 2021

Panerai Announces A New Sustainable Partnership With Raze...

The luxury timepiece and gaming worlds are coming together for a sustainable future. While Panerai continues to position itself as a leader in the luxury timepiece industry, the brand also embraces creative inspiration from other industry leaders. Panerai is proud to announce its newest partnership with the consumer electronic professionals at Razer Inc. Razer prides itself on offering performance-driven lifestyle products for gamers all around the world, following the same attention to detail and quality control as Panerai. MUST-READ: Makes And Movements: Panerai Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition x BRABUS Shadow 900 As a new part of Panerai’s aquatic family, Razer will be supporting a cause in the field of ocean preservation for spring 2022. The collaboration between Panerai x Razer will feature a new special edition Luminor made of recycled materials as a celebration of the new partnership. The special Panerai x Razer Luminor model will make its debut in the fall of 2022. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more news on the upcoming release from Panerai x Razer. Shop all current Panerai models available at WatchBox by clicking the link below. Shop All Panerai at WatchBox Media/Information Source: Panerai

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 21, 2021

Timex x Carhartt WIP Announce The New Range C Allied Chro...

For Fall/Winter 2021, Carhartt WIP has collaborated with Timex, continuing an ongoing partnership, based on timeless, utilitarian style. The story behind a watch tends to be an added bonus for watch collectors and enthusiasts. Finding the inspiration and quirks behind the design process can build a new appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each piece. Timex is proud to continue its partnership with the fashion experts at Carhartt WIP (Work in Progress). As part of the news, the dynamic duo is proud to announce the new Timex x Carhartt WIP Range C Allied Chronograph. The Range C Allied Chronograph is presented in a 42mm case design crafted from black low lead brass. MUST-READ: The Best Luxury Watches Under $5,000 The simplistic styling of the dial features vintage fonts with vibrant colors to help draw attention to the multitude of functions. The dial is proudly stamped with the Carhartt WIP logo and its motto “Work In Progress”. The Timex x Carhartt WIP watch is driven by a quartz movement, which is water-resistant up to 100-meters. The backcase includes engraved logos and production numerics to signify the special limited-edition collaboration release. The packaging includes a black nylon strap as well as a black and orange replacement strap to complement any style. The all-new Timex x Carhartt WIP Range C Allied Chronograph is coming soon to the Carhartt WIP website with a price tag of $190. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Media/Information Source: Carhartt WIP

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 20, 2021

Roger Dubuis Launches The $815,000 Limited-Edition Excali...

The perfect timepiece to complement the new Lamborghini Countach. Since its official debut and return to the automotive scene, the all-new Lamborghini Countach continues to be known as one of the most anticipated car releases of the year. With so much heritage incorporated into the Italian supercar, many automotive enthusiasts remember a time when the original Countach sat proudly displayed on a poster. As the official timekeeper of Lamborghini, Roger Dubuis is proud to celebrate the reimagined Countach with a limited-edition commemorative timepiece. The all-new Roger Dubuis x Lamborghini Squadra Corse Excalibur Spider Countach DT/X is the creative vision between the two performance-driven brands. MUST-READ: Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Revealed: A New Hybrid V12 Hypercar The Excalibur Spider Countach DT/X is presented as a 47mm concept piece crafted from white mineral composite fiber. The open-worked dial features a design that mimics the styling of the new Lamborghini Countach engine cover complemented with two rotating tourbillons. While the upcoming Italian supercar is powered by a 6.5L V12, the matching luxury timepiece is driven by an in-house RD112 mechanical manual winding movement. A transparent backcase allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the movement, while the outer portion is engraved to signify the extremely limited release. Adding to the aggressive styling of the Excalibur Spider Countach DT/X, Roger Dubuis includes a Skeleton 3D rubber strap with an ultra-ergonomics design. The newest release from Roger Dubuis x Lamborghini Squadra Corse is limited to only 8-pieces for the price of $815,000. Discover the new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Countach DT/X by clicking the link below. Discover The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Countach DT/X View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Media/Information Source: Roger Dubuis

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 20, 2021

Bell & Ross x Alpine F1 Release The New BR-X1 A521 Chrono...

To celebrate this continued partnership the Franco-Swiss company has launched an Alpine F1 Team watch collection. With the same state-of-the-art design, materials, and technology being developed for motorsports going into luxury timepieces, it makes sense to create collaboration pieces perfect for the race track. Since 2016, Bell & Ross has been associated with Formula 1, continuing to incorporate aspects of the sport into a portion of its Experimental Collection. Bell & Ross is celebrating the Apline F1 team debut with a new limited-edition commemorative timepiece. The new Bell & Ross BR-X1 A521 is presented as a 45mm chronograph that features the brand’s iconic square-style case design crafted from PVD titanium and ceramic. MUST-READ: Makes And Movements: Bell & Ross BR-X1 Skeleton Tourbillon Sapphire x Bugatti Chiron Sport The easy-to-read skeletonized dial layout allows drivers to use the multitude of functions to their full capacity while hitting the apex at any turn. The BR-X1 A521 pays homage to the current Alpine A521 single-seater race car, using the team’s livery to inspire the color combination. The engine delivery power to the new Bell & Ross chronograph is an in-house BR-CAL 313 Automatic movement, which provides a lengthy power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. Meant to be used as a functional tool, Bell & Ross equips the BR-X1 A521 with a comfortable perforated black rubber strap and steel buckle. The Bell & Ross x Apline F1 BR-X1 A521 is limited to only 50-pieces with a price tag of $21,500. Shop the newest release from Bell & Ross, as well as the other two timepieces part of the Alpine F1 Collection by clicking the link below. Shop The Bell & Ross BR-X1 A521 View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Media/Information Source: Bell & Ross

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 20, 2021

MB&F Launches The New $176,000 Legacy Machine Perpetual E...

The MB&F LM Perpetual EVO just got stronger with Grade 5 Titanium. For most luxury watchmakers, grand complications make up a small portion of the collection with small-batch example releases for owners and enthusiasts. For professionals at MB&F, this is the main focus for all of its models, including the LM Perpetual EVO. MB&F is proud to announce its newest addition to its highly exclusive collection, the LM Perpetual EVO in Titanium. The 44mm grand complication features a bezel-less case design crafted from Grade 5 titanium to help display its stunning skeletonized dial. The open dial displays the inner workings of the watch when operating hours, minutes, day, date, month, retrograde leap year, and power reserve indicators. MUST-READ: The New MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual Evo Collection Delivering power to the new LM Perpetual EVO is MB&F’s in-house dial-side complication and mechanical processor system architecture with an inbuilt safety mechanism. The transparent back case allows for a second view of the meticulous craftsmanship of MB&F’s watchmakers, while the outer case is engraved to signify the limited edition release. Adding a sense of functionality to the luxury timepiece is a comfortable black rubber strap and matching titanium clasp. The new titanium MB&F LM Perpetual EVO is an example of true horology and is now available through an authorized dealer for $176,000. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Media/Information Source: MB&F

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 19, 2021

Richard Mille Unveils Two New RM 72-01 Ceramic Models

The newest addition to the ever-popular line up from Richard Mille. Richard Mille continues to lead the way in state-of-the-art watchmaking with its collection of iconic models. The brand’s popularity increases by the day with examples tripling the retail price on the secondary market. Richard Mille is proud to announce the release of the RM 72-01. The new RM 72-01 features the iconic 44.5mm square case design and is offered in black and white TPZ ceramic and 18k Rose Gold. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Best Richard Mille Watches Ever Created The skeletonized dial design highlights the inner workings of Richard Mille’s in-house CRMC1 Automatic movement while displaying the hour, minute, and seconds functions. The transparent backcase includes a color-matching ceramic outer portion sealed to hold a 30-meter water resistance. Each new Richard Mille RM 72-01 is complete with a matching white or black sport-style rubber strap and 18k rose gold clasp. The Richard Mille RM 72-01 Collection is now available through an authorized dealer with a price tag of $185,000. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Media/Information Source: Richard Mille

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 19, 2021

BOVET 1822 Launches The All-New Pininfarina Batista Tourb...

The perfect timepiece to complement the all-new electric hyper-GT. It's no surprise that highly exclusive handmade timepieces go perfectly with state-of-the-art supercars. The watchmakers at BOVET know this all too well with its recent collaboration with Rolls-Royce on the artistic Boat Tail watch. BOVET is proud to announce its newest collaboration piece in partnership with the performance professionals at Automobili Pininfarina. As part of the pure electric Pininfarina Batista hypercar, BOVET presents the new Batista Tourbillon. MUST-READ: Rolls-Royce x BOVET 1822 Unveil The New Artistic Boat Tail Timepieces The BOVET Batista Tourbillon features a 45.6mm case design that includes a blue skeletonized dial with Pininfarina logos. The transparent three-dimensional design allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the patented Double-Sided 60-Second Flying Tourbillon, which is capable of holding an impressive 10-day power reserve. The beauty makes its way into the backcase, where the timepiece is further highlighted through a second angle with numerical engravings to signify the limited-edition release. Keeping a one-of-a-kind design in mind, BOVET x Pininfarina adds an exclusive-designed vegan black/blue rubber strap to ensure a comfortable wear when behind the wheel of the 1,900-horsepower Batista. The collaboration between BOVET and Pininfarina further explains the similarities between performance automotive brands and luxury watchmakers. The all-new limited-edition Pininfarin Batista Tourbillon bob BOVET is currently available through an authorized dealer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Media/Information Source: Automobili Pininfarina

By Edward Jones – October 19, 2021

Maximus by Kerbedanz, The World’s Largest Tourbillon in a...

Presented by Kerbedanz - The two patents granted to KERBEDANZ for its Maximus timepiece, which already holds the title of the world's largest Tourbillon, demonstrate that this micromechanical masterpiece is completely in keeping with the history of chronometry. Magnitude and Measurement of Time Since its launch, it has been difficult to avoid the media hype surrounding Maximus, this Kerbedanz masterpiece embodying complicated watchmaking excellence that has not compromised on extraordinary chronometric performance. Reliable and highly precise, this timepiece is in itself the epitome of a well-managed challenge, an amazing micromechanical feat. Excellence and Innovation The Kerbedanz Maximus Tourbillon is powered by the KRB-08 caliber, with its giant central flying tourbillon, featuring a straight-line lever escapement and a 27mm diameter cage. The timepiece is running at a frequency of 2.5 Hertz and its power reserve, which is displayed in a separate indicator, offers an autonomy of 54 hours. The 415 components movement is a testimony of the excellence and complexity of this timepiece. A new energy generator system pairing 4 barrels and an innovative regulator-assembly mechanism are the two patented innovations that add to the outstanding quality of the Maximus model by Kerbedanz. A piece recognizable by its domed sapphire crystal protecting the world’s largest Tourbillon mechanism in a wristwatch. The Winding Ritual Beyond the accomplished aesthetics signed Kerbedanz, the case back unveil its ultra-complex caliber through a sapphire crystal glass and a sort of mechanical star. This is the manual winding system, which must be held with two fingers and rotated to wind up the four barrels simultaneously through a central planetary gear. A subtle ritual that is particularly impressive for aficionados, especially since it is accompanied by a very pleasant clicking sound. Visit Website Website: https://kerbedanz.com/ Contact: Beaugeste Inc. Agent for North America tchaunu@beaugesteluxury.com or call 212-847-1371

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 18, 2021

Breitling Releases The New Avenger Automatic 43

As a true Breitling Avenger, it can be used wearing gloves and offers unrivaled safety and reliability to any airborne adventurer. Breitling built its brand on offering a true everyday tool for pilots looking for a wristwatch that could keep up with the aggressive lifestyle. Now more than a decade later, Breitling continues to incorporate its rich heritage of aviation into each new example. The new Breitling Avenger Automatic 43 features a robust and shock-resistant 43mm case design crafted from stainless steel. MUST-READ: The Best Luxury Watches Under $5,000 The styling of the olive green dial clearly displays the time and date functions while including a vibrant yellow 24-hour inner bezel indication. Powering the Breitling Avenger is the brand’s in-house 17 caliber self-winding mechanical movement, which is capable of holding an impressive 38-hour power reserve. The screw-in caseback features a commemorative engraving of the Avenger logo signifying the special edition release. Keeping a functional theme, Breitling uses a comfortable leather and nylon olive green strap to complement the dial, with an available option for a stainless-steel bracelet. The new Breitling Avenger Automatic 43 is now available through an authorized dealer with a price tag of $3,750. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Media/Information Source: Breitling

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 18, 2021

IWC Schaffhausen x Hot Wheels Release The Limited-Edition...

Celebrate automotive and timepiece excellence with IWC Schaffhausen x Hot Wheels. The famous Goodwood Members Meeting is known to all automotive enthusiasts as a fuel-packed weekend of motor racing and high-speed track demonstrations. Following the news of the 78th-annual gathering, the IWC Schaffhausen Racing team announced its return to the grid for the historic event. Alongside its participation, IWC Schaffhausen is proud to present its newest commemorative collaboration project with Hot Wheels. The all-new IWC x Hot Wheels Racing Works collection set features the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “IWC x Hot Wheels™ Racing Works” and the Hot Wheels Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Racing Works Edition”. IWC Schaffhausen The special edition IWC Pilot’s Watch is presented as a 43mm chronograph crafted from grade 5 titanium, an engineering material favored by the Hot Wheels and IWC design team. The dial incorporates a race flag-style design finished in matte grey and black to mimic the livery of the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. The transparent back case allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the in-house 69385 caliber movement, while the #68 logo is etched on the sapphire to signify the subtle nod to 1868 and 1968 respectively when IWC and Hot Wheels were founded. Keeping the vision functional, IWC Schaffhausen fits each of the limited 50-piece releases with a color-matching black and grey nylon nato strap. IWC Schaffhausen The 1:64 scale model that complements the collection set is Hot Wheel’s Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Racing Works Edition”, which is deemed the most detailed small scale model ever created by the brand. This version features opening gullwing doors, a faithfully reproduced interior complete with bucket seats, roll cage and red sill trims, full external detailing including clear headlights with the MB Star braces, and racing graphics. As this set will be a limited run of only 50 pieces, the car will take its place as one of the rarest official Hot Wheels models ever released. In addition, bespoke packaging makes the set even more exclusive: The chronograph and the model car are presented in a metal toolbox in silver and black. The case also contains the instruction manual for the watch, a booklet about the project, and a limitation plate with the individual corresponding set number. With the 50-piece collection release, IWC Schaffhausen x Hot Wheels are currently auctioning off one set through Bonhams to benefit the Two Bit Circus Foundation. Check out the Bonhams’ auction listing for the IWC Schaffhausen x Hot Wheels Racing Works collection set by clicking the link below. View The Bonhams Auction Listing Media/Information Source: IWC Schaffhausen

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