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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 – September 29, 2021

Jacob & Co. Releases The $600,000 Astronomia Alec Monopoly

A world-first both in the boldness of its unprecedented concept and its entirely mechanical construction. Since the initial announcement of the Jacob & Co. x Alec Monopoly partnership, watch and streetwear enthusiasts were left with anticipation to see what the two creative minds would make. Jacob & Co. is now proud to announce the all-new Astronomia Alec Monopoly, its newest grand complication sporting the iconic theme of Alec Monopoly art. The Astronomia Alec Monopoly is presented as a 50mm grand complication handcrafted from 18k Rose Gold encased by sapphire crystals. MUST-READ: Jacob & Co. Releases The $580,000 Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti 300+ Watch The dial acts as a large blank canvas for Alec Monopoly. It features small handprinted figurines that include The Monopoly Man and Scrooge Duck. While the axis rotates, the inner workings of the watch are revealed to highlight the meticulous attention to detail behind the timepiece. Driving power to the new Astronomia is the brand’s in-house JCAM25 manual-winding movement, capable of holding a 60-hour power reserve. The Alec Monopoly commemorative collection is completed with a large-square black alligator leather strap with a matching 18k Rose Gold folding buckle. The all-new Jacob & Co. Astronomia Alec Monopoly is limited to only 9-pieces for a retail price of $600,000. https://www.instagram.com/p/CUaLVfPrqSW/

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 28, 2021

Ulysse Nardin Launches The New Limited-Edition Diver Chro...

In respect to the mighty Carcharodon Carcharias, Ulysse Nardin launches a new 44mm chronograph in titanium with white concave unidirectional rubberized bezel. Ulysse Nardin continues its journey to the depths of the sea with commemorative luxury timepieces that include inspiration from the creatures that call it their home. After releasing the Diver Lemon Shark, Ulysse Nardin is back to add another species of shark to its Diver Collection. Ulysse Nardin is proud to announce the release of the Diver Chronograph Great White, a 44mm timepiece crafted from the elements of the infamous great white shark. The case design on the Diver Chronograph is crafted from titanium, with a white bezel and grey dial to mimic the body of the shark. MUST-READ: Ulysse Nardin Unveils a Shark-Themed 42mm DIVER for World Ocean Day Powering the watch and the multitude of functions is Ulysse Nardin’s in-house UN-150 self-winding movement, capable of holding a 48-hour power reserve and 300-meter water resistance. The back case of the Diver Chronograph Great White features engravings on the outer portion to signify the special release. Completing the functional aspect of the tool watch, Ulysse Nardin adds a white rubber strap with a shark silhouette that illuminates at night. The all-new Ulysse Nardin Diver Chronograph Great White is limited to only 300-pieces and is available at an authorized dealer for $13,300. Shop the new limited-edition release, as well as all the other timepieces from Ulysse Nardin, by clicking the link below. Shop The Ulysse Nardin Diver Chronograph Great White Media/Information Source: Ulysse Nardin

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 28, 2021

Panerai Takes A Trip To Germany To Visit BRABUS

The new partnership between the duo starts with a field trio to Germany. The recent release of the new limited-edition Panerai Subermsible S Brabus Black Ops Edition shocked the watch, marine, and automotive worlds. The partnership between Brabus and Panerai highlights the shared ambition for pushing the boundaries of performance, design, and technology. The best next step of the relationship is to have some team bonding, so CEO Constantin Brabus invited the CEO of Panerai Jean-Marc Pontroué and his team to the River Rhine in Germany for a photoshoot of the Submersible S watch alongside the Brabus Shadow 900 boat. The day was filled with high-resolution shots of both high-performance products in action. Expect to see the Brabus team taking a field trip to Switzerland soon to experience the luxury watch world of Panerai. Click the link below to view all of the Brabus inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY. View All BRABUS Inventory For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CUVivsPKJsq/

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 28, 2021

Discover The New Hermés H08 Limited-Edition For Hodinkee ...

Hodinkee is back with its second collaboration release featuring Hérmes. Hodinkee continues to act as an information hub for anything watches. The team also takes pride in collaborating with some of the most well-known brands to release limited-edition pieces for collectors and enthusiasts. Hodinkee is proud to release its newest collaboration project with the luxury professionals at Hermés. The new Hermés H08 Limited Edition for Hodinkee watch is presented as a 39mm with plenty of earth tones to provide an aesthetically pleasing setting. The square-style case design is crafted from DLC-coated titanium with a ceramic bezel to ensure a lightweight feel with added strength. The Taupe dial highlights the hours, minutes, seconds, and date functions with contrasting numerics to display the perfect view. Powering the new watch from Hermés x Hodinkee is the in-house H1837 movement, which offers a lengthy 50-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. The transparent back case displays a secondary view of the inner workings of the H08, while the outer portion is engraved with Hodinkee logos to signify the limited edition release. Tying into the functionality of the luxury field-style watch, Hermés adds a comfortable Taupe rubber strap and matching DLC titanium buckle. The all-new Hermés H08 for Hodinkee is limited to only 100-pieces for $7,275. https://www.instagram.com/p/CUXtIFMNYw5/ Media/Information Source: Hodinkee

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 28, 2021

Roger Dubuis Unveils The Limited-Edition Excalibur Spider...

Start your engines for the new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán. Since the beginning of its initial partnership with Automobili Lamborghini, Roger Dubuis continues to incorporate elements of the Italian supercar brand into its line of handcrafted hyper watches. The Excalibur Spider is one model that receives new artistic and technological visions, acting as a blank canvas for endless opportunities. Roger Dubuis is proud to present the new Excalibur Spider Huracán White, the newest collaboration project with Lamborghini’s Squadra Corse team. MUST-READ: Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracan STO Revealed Presented as a 45mm skeleton finished in white ceramic composite fiber, the new Excalibur Spider Huracán allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the automotive-inspired caliber. Delivering power to the new hyper watch is Roger Dubuis’ in-house RD360 movement, developed with Lamborghini to help construct an engine-like design. The results of innovative work by the dynamic duo is an impressive 60-hour power reserve and 50-meter water resistance. The transparent back case further highlights the automotive inspiration including a factory Lamborghini Huracán wheel acting as the rotor. The outer portion of the case back is engraved to signify the exclusive release, with each of the only 88-pieces numbered individually. Completing the clean white styling of the Excalibur Spider Huracán, Roger Dubuis adds a white rubber strap with rubber tech inlay and a titanium clasp. The all-new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán White is now available through an authorized dealer for $70,500. Shop The New Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán White Media/Information Source: Roger Dubuis

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 27, 2021

Jacob & Co. Releases The $580,000 Twin Turbo Furious Buga...

The perfect watch to wear when breaking 300+ mph in a Bugatti. While Jacob & Co. continues to expand on its partnership with Bugatti, the luxury watchmaker is there to commemorate the hypercar manufacturer's performance milestones with special edition pieces. Jacob & Co. x Bugatti is proud to announce its newest release signifying the accomplishment of reaching 300+ miles per hour in the Chiron Super Sport. The new Jacob & Co. Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti 300+ embodies all the design and technical aspects that go into a multi-million dollar hypercar, for your wrist. The 57mm chronograph is handcrafted from forged carbon fiber and grade 5 titanium to provide strength pithing its lightweight design. MUST-READ: Jacob & Co. Releases A Piece Unique Twin-Turbo Furious Bugatti Sapphire Crystal The stealth-like vision behind the piece incorporates an all-black dial design that proudly displays the Jacob & Co. and Bugatti logos. The partial transparent dial allows for a closer look at the engine driving the list of functions within the Twin Turbo Furious. Delivering power to the luxury timepiece is the in-house JCFM05 Double Triple Axis High-Speed Tourbillon, acting similarly to the quad-turbocharged W16 engine in the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport. The state-of-the-art movement supplies the watch with an incredible 50-hour power reserve, making it a perfect daily wear for any collector. Completing the all-black styling of the Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti 300+, Jacob & Co. adds a black Cordura strap with a black DLC grade 5 titanium deployant buckle. The all-new Jacob & Co. Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti 300+ is limited to only 3-pieces for $580,000. View all Bugatti Chiron examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bugatti Chiron For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CUVqpr-sGQW/ Media/Information Source: Jacob & Co.

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 27, 2021

IWC Schaffhausen Releases The Pilot's Watch Chronograph 4...

Take to the skies with the new green IWC Schaffhausen Pilot's Watch Chronograph. The Pilot’s Watch Collection by IWC Schaffhausen embodies the design of a fine handcrafted luxury watch with the functional use of tools dedicated to those with aviation backgrounds. Nonetheless, the collection continues to grow in popularity as one of the brand's most iconic models in its line. IWC Schaffhausen is proud to present a new look to the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41, which features a new vibrant green dial design. The 41mm chronograph is presented in stainless steel with added hours, minutes, and seconds displayed using three sub-dials. Along with the day and date window, the elegantly styled green dial changes shades as the gloss finish provides the perfect shimmer at any angle. MUST-READ: The Best Luxury Watches Under $5,000 Delivering power to the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 is IWC Schaffhausen’s in-house 69385 automatic self-winding movement, which provides an impressive 46-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. Designed as an everyday watch, the IWC Pilot’s Watch 41 is available in a comfortable stainless-steel bracelet with a quick-change system or a traditional genuine brown leather strap. Either way, the new IWC is presented, the vibrant green dial will complement and steal the show. The all-new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 with the green dial is now available through an authorized dealer starting at $6,500. https://www.instagram.com/p/CUVWgMBl0IU/ Media/Information Source: IWC Schaffhausen

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 27, 2021

Audemars Piguet Launches 'Night Blue' Dials On Two New Ro...

The “Grande Tapisserie” dial encompasses the iconic blue hue of the original Royal Oak, a colour referred to as “Night Blue, Cloud 50” in the archives. The Royal Oak Collection from Audemars Piguet features an array of uniquely designed timepieces that sport state-of-the-art movement technology. The most appealing configuration of the Royal Oak features the brand’s iconic blue dial, now viewed as a premium aspect for buyers and collectors. Audemars Piguet is proud to release two new additions to the Royal Oak Collection featuring a new blue style for the Perpetual Calendar model. The new shade of ‘Night Blue’ is presented in a lighter fashion upon the ‘Grande Tapisserie’ dial, which includes a chronograph layout with the perpetual moon phase located at the 6 o’clock position. The two new 41mm Royal Oak designs are available in a Stainless-Steel and 18k Pink Gold with open case backs. MUST-READ: Audemars Piguet Unveils Two New Complications To Its Collection Driving power to the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is Audemars Piguet’s in-house 5134 Self-Winding movement, which provides a lengthy 40-hour power reserve and 20-meter water resistance. Completing the elegant style of Audemars Piguet, the two new Royal Oak models come with a matching stainless-steel or pink gold bracelet with the AP folding clasp. As blue dial watches continue to grow in popularity, we believe the new ‘Night Blue’ Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar models are sure to be a hit for Audemars Piguet owners and collectors. The all-new additions to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Collection are now available through an authorized dealer starting at $80,000. https://www.instagram.com/p/CUVDGWdL_XX/

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 24, 2021

Zenith Watches Welcomes Felipe Pantone To Its Headquarters

Felipe Pantone takes a trip to Zenith for a tour of the facility. Zenith watches continues to diversify its collection of luxury timepieces with brand ambassadors that offer their areas of specialty to highlight luxury timepieces. Argentine-Spanish contemporary artist Felipe Pantone is one of those key individuals using his iconic vision of colors into the luxury collection of Zenith Defy 21 models. Felipe took to his Instagram today to document his trip to the Zenith headquarters, where his artistic touch is incorporated into the building itself. MUST-READ: Zenith Debuts the Limited Edition Defy 21 Felipe Pantone Along his tour through the facility, he was given insight as to how each piece is created by hand. After demonstrations throughout the manufacturing process and a stop at the boutique to try on some new releases, Felipe concluded the action-packed day by signing the building using black spray paint. The video ends with a shot of a perfect pair of Zenith Defy 21 models departing in a Porsche until Felipe's next visit. https://www.instagram.com/p/CUNajEujgl4/

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 24, 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. MB&F Unveils The New HM10 ‘Panda’ To Benefit The Only Watch Auction https://www.instagram.com/p/CUDMKqVrtUp/ Learn More Bell & Ross Unveils The BR 01 Cyber Skull For The Only Watch Charity Auction https://www.instagram.com/p/CUC6O6RANtm/ Learn More BRABUS x Panerai Unveil The Limited Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition https://www.instagram.com/p/CUIC854LolE/ Learn More Hublot Releases The New Limited-Edition Big Bang Unico Berluti Aluminio https://www.instagram.com/p/CUKrPerrjnG/ Learn More TAG Heuer Releases The New Connected Bright Black Smartwatch https://www.instagram.com/p/CUNd2jcrlhQ/ Learn More Omega Releases The New Speedmaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph Collection https://www.instagram.com/p/CUNM6RprxaO/ Learn More Bell & Ross Releases The Limited-Edition BR 05 Skeleton Gold https://www.instagram.com/p/CUNJq8nrW5Z/ Learn More Ulysse Nardin Releases Two New Watches To The Marine And Diver Collections https://www.instagram.com/p/CUNZOCgreSa/ Learn More For more Watch news, Check out The Best Luxury Watches Under $5,000

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