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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 16, 2021

The New Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Annual Calendar C...

Showcasing the brand's 175 years of Haute Horlogerie savoir-faire and techniques: sillicium technology, chronograph and design. With its rich ties to the sea, Ulysse Nardin dedicates a portion of its collection to luxury timepieces with nautical and marine inspiration. As part of the marine collection, Ulysse Nardin is proud to announce the release of the new Torpilleur Annual Chronograph. The Torpilleur Annual Chronograph features a formal design based around the 44mm stainless-steel case. The elegant dark blue dial contrasts with bronze indicators incorporated into the sub-dials, which provide month and 30-second functions. Paying homage to the historic horology, Ulysse Nardin proudly displays its 1846 start on the dial above the 6 o’clock position. Driving power to the new marine-inspired timepiece by Ulysse Nardin features an in-house UN-153 self-winding movement, which provides an impressive 50-hour power reserve and 50-meter water resistance. The Torpilleur Annual Chronograph is equipped with a choice of a blue or brown genuine leather strap and stainless steel buckle. The new Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Annual Chronograph is limited to only 300 pieces and is now available through an authorized retailer for $12,100. Shop the new Ulysse Nardin, as well as all its luxury timepiece collections by clicking the link below. Discover The Ulysse Nardin Torpilleur Annual Calendar Chronograph Media/Information Source: Ulysse Nardin

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 15, 2021

Richard Mille Unveils The New RM 67-02 Charles Leclerc

"The RM 67-02 is like a second skin for Charles Leclerc, never interfering in his driving" - Richard Mille. It’s no news to say that Richard Mille plays a key role in the world of motorsports, and more specifically the exciting world of Formula 1. As the main timepiece sponsor for Scuderia Ferrari, Richard Mille makes sure to fit drivers like Charles Leclerc with lightweight performance timepieces to be worn while racing on circuits around the world. Richard Mille is proud to release an all-new RM 67-02, its first Ferrari-inspired timepiece with Charles Leclerc as inspiration. The RM 67-02 features a white case crafted from Carbon TPT and Quartz TPT, which weighs a mere 32 grams. The inspiration of Formula 1 racing is further incorporated with lightweight materials like Grade 5 Titanium to ensure the strength needed to take on any impact. The skeletonized dial allows for a closer look at the inner workings of Richard Mille’s intricate movement technology. Delivering power to the RM 67-02 is the in-house Caliber CRMA7 automatic-winding movement, which holds an impressive 50-hour power reserve. The transparency follows into the backcase where a secondary view of the white gold rotor is displayed, along with engravings on the outer case reading ‘Charles Leclerc’. Completing the lightweight design of the RM 67-02, Richard Mille adds a highly elastic non-slip strap in vibrant red to provide a perfect fit for the contour of anyone’s wrist. The new Richard Mille RM 67-02 Charles Leclerc is now available through an authorized dealer. https://www.instagram.com/p/CT2TysEr4lu/

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 15, 2021

Hublot Releases The New Spirit Of Big Bang Gold Crystal

This form of gold is unique, since it is impossible to reproduce two identical gold crystals. While the traditional Big Bang model continues to make a presence as Hublot’s iconic example, the Swiss watchmaker incorporated a bold square case shape with the Spirit of Big Bang Collection. Acting as a blank canvas for the designers at Hublot, the Spirit of Big Bang is seen in various renditions and special editions that are displayed as works of art for the wrist. Hublot is proud to announce the newest addition to the collection, the all-new Spirit of Big Bang Gold Crystal. The Spirit of Big Bang Gold Crystal features a 42mm satin-finished and polished black ceramic case, which draws the intended attention to the elegant dial. The dial of the Spirit of Big Bang takes on a simplistic design using the unique 24K Gold Crystal to gain eye appeal from collectors and enthusiasts. Alongside its state-of-the-art styling, Hublot powers its new example with the in-house HUB1710 Self-winding Movement, capable of holding an impressive 50-hour power reserve. Tying into the formal appearance, the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Gold Crystal includes a black alligator leather strap with a black-plated stainless-steel deployment buckle clasp. The all-new Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Gold Crystal is now available for $29,500 by clicking the link below. Shop The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Gold Crystal Media Source: Hublot

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 14, 2021

Zenith Launches The New Chronomaster Original E-Commerce ...

Zenith celebrates one of its most emblematic design elements in the tri-colorful online exclusive Chronomaster Original. The Chronomaster collection by Zenith embodies traditional design paired with state-of-the-art movement technology, making it the best of both worlds for collectors and enthusiasts. Zenith watches is proud to launch its newest addition, the Chronomaster Original E-Commerce Edition. The new release is styled to reflect the iconic design of the A386 steel El Primero from 1969 and features the aesthetically pleasing tri-color chronograph dial. The Zenith Chronomaster Original E-commerce Edition is presented as a new 38mm model made from stainless steel and incorporates a color-matching inner bezel. Driving power to the Chronomaster Original is Zenith’s updated El Primero 3600 Automatic movement, which holds a 60-hour power reserve and 50-meter water resistance. A grey calfskin leather strap with special stitchings and a stainless-steel triple folding clasp is added by Zenith to ensure comfortable daily wear for any collector. The all-new Zenith Chronomaster Original E-Commerce Edition is only available online for $8,400. https://www.instagram.com/p/CTzl3JPLO65/

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 13, 2021

Audemars Piguet Unveils Two New Complications To Its Coll...

Two completely different styles sporting Audemars Piguet's most intricate movement. Audemars Piguet features a large collection of highly desirable timepieces that incorporate various renditions and complications that cater to the wants and needs of watch enthusiasts of all kinds. The Swiss watch manufacturing is proud to release new complications housed inside two of the brand's most popular models. The two examples added to the Audemars Piguet collection are the new Code 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked and Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie. The release highlights the use of state-of-the-art movement technology within pieces that are styled to be dressed up or worn in as a more traditional everyday timepiece. Code 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked Audemars Piguet The hand-finished openworked movement adorning different shades of grey is housed in a two-tone case interweaving 18-carat white and pink gold. This gold combination highlights the case’s multifaceted geometry, while providing an elegant contrast. Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie Audemars Piguet This complicated limited production watch is equipped with the ground-breaking in-house hand-wound Calibre 2953 which is protected by three patents. The timepiece is adorned with a refined and highly stylised guilloché dial in smoked grey hues to complement the titanium case. Paying tribute to older chiming timepieces while utilising advanced technology, this watch will appeal to lovers of remarkable acoustic performances. Media/Information Source: Audemars Piguet

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 13, 2021

Jacob & Co. Releases A Piece Unique Twin-Turbo Furious Bu...

The Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti Sapphire Crystal timepiece is dedicated to the high-performance car manufacturer. When it comes to a luxury partnership, Bugatti x Jacob & Co. continues to lead the way with its collection of highly exclusive timepieces. While we have seen renditions of the Twin-Turbo Furious Bugatti model sporting various precious metals and colors, the duo is back to unveil a new first for the collection. Jacob & Co. is proud to release the all-new Twin-Turbo Furious Bugatti Sapphire Crystal Blue Inner Ring, featuring the brand’s first-ever minute repeater complication. While the 57mm case is crafted from sapphire crystal, the inner ring incorporates Bugatti’s iconic blue paint code featured on some of the brand's fastest hypercars on the market. The newest release from Jacob & Co. displays the complex construction of the intricate Twin Triple-Axis Tourbillon, which is presented in rose gold. The in-house JCFM05 manual-winding movement provides an impressive 50-hour power reserve and holds a water resistance of 30-meters. Tying in the traditional Bugatti blue, Jacob & Co. completes the Twin-Turbo Furious Bugatti Sapphire with a color-matching leather strap and 18k white gold buckle. The new piece unique Jacob & Co. Twin-Turbo Furious Bugatti Sapphire Crystal Blue Inner Ring highlights the design, technology, and performance similarities between the timepiece and automotive industries. View All Bugatti For Sale Jacob & Co.

By Edward Jones – September 09, 2021

Graham Fortress Ltd: Left Field, But Logical

Presented by Graham Watches - The Graham Fortress is a chronograph equipped with a monopusher set within the crown. By placing the monopusher/crown on the left flank of the case, the watch breaks with convention. However, there is much sense in taking this unusual approach to chronograph design. What's in a name? The Fortress upholds Graham's fondness for aviation-themed product names. Perhaps its moniker doffs its hat to the Flying Fortress of the 1930s? Alternatively, the word 'fortress' may evoke thoughts of military strongholds or castles and, by default, elicit images of strong, castellated buildings and impregnable structures. All of these associations are consistent with the tough nature of this new Graham model. To really understand the watch brand from La Chaux-de-Fonds, a person has to think like Graham, ie don't subscribe to convention or accept mediocrity; be #bold and #brave. If a sign says 'keep off the grass', put on a pair of big boots and do a jig on the turf. If other brands choose to place push-pieces on the righthand side of the case, then break the rules and go for a leftfield approach. Indeed, as you look at the new Fortress from Graham you will note a monopusher located on the left flank of the case. This lone pusher, positioned in the top of the crown, starts, stops and resets the chronograph. It's a #one-stop shop for all of your stopwatch needs. By combining it with the crown it endows the case with a clean, uncluttered profile. But a leftfield design can also be eminently logical. A pusher on the left side of the case proves more #intuitive to use. When using a chronograph, the wearer observes the start of an event, actuates the stopwatch function and, thereafter, at the end of the event, halts the timer. The potential problem is the human factor, namely the time gap between seeing an event and pressing the push-piece. The shorter the gap between observation and pressing the pusher, the more validity the recorded elapsed time really has. The thumb is the fastest acting digit, hence with this design, a right-handed person will instinctively place their plumpest digit on the push-piece and press it with lightning-bolt alacrity. Another key benefit of positioning the combined crown and monopusher on the left is superior wearer comfort. Often when a watch is worn and the wearer flexes their wrist, the protrusions on the right flank of the case gouge the wrist, chafe the skin or inhibit free movement. The Fortress's leftfield approach causes no such problems. The blue sunray dial and the black grained dial feature #bold, luminescent hour and minutes which collaborate with ample, applied Arabic numerals, imparting meaning. The dial has two circular brushed counters, a small seconds display at 3 o'clock and a 30-minute chronograph register at 6 o'clock. A date display is located adjacent the monopusher/crown. Housed in a 47mm stainless steel case, the generous proportions of the watch confer impressive wrist presence, while the exhibition caseback affords sight of the Fortress's Swiss automatic movement. This rebellious firm doesn’t subscribe to slick marketing, it chooses to focus on making excellent watches, rich in character. Indeed, the Graham Fortress Ltd is a serious watch from a company who still knows how to have #fun. Visit Graham1695.com

By Edward Jones – September 08, 2021

TAG Heuer Launches the New Aquaracer Professional 300 "Ni...

TAG Heuer is resurrecting a 1980s classic with the new Aquaracer Professional 300 "Night Diver" and we couldn't be more than excited about this release. To create the design, TAG Heuer's design, engineering, and heritage teams all worked in unison to develop a worthy modern interpretation. As you can see, they did a phenomenal job. The 12-sided bezel remains, as does the dial's horizontal engraved linesto. The 43mm watch has a black DLC coating on the stainless steel case, bezel, crown, caseback, and clasp, giving it a more sturdy property and a wonderful visual befitting of the name. Speaking of the night, the new "Night Diver" will shine brightly in dark areas thanks to the fully luminescent dial that features green lume on the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock hour markers. If you plan on diving to deep depths where the sun cannot reach, the "Night Diver" will be water-resistant up to 300 meters or around 1,000 feet. Last, but not least, the heart of this new TAG Heuer is the Calibre 5 Automatic, which is a one-up on the 2018 version's quartz movement. The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 "Night Diver" is available online now with a price of $3,350. Source: TAG Heuer

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 03, 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. Breitling Top Time Classic Cars Capsule Collection https://www.instagram.com/p/CTPgeWEL-KP/ Learn More Jacob & Co. Epic X Rose Gold Baguette https://www.instagram.com/p/CTQJmAyrb-Y/ Learn More URWERK UR-100 ‘ELECTRUM’ https://www.instagram.com/p/CTSCxb6LRE2/ Learn More 11 New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Models https://www.instagram.com/p/CTUn4zwLnQF/ Learn More MB&F x L'Epee 1839 ORB Table Clock https://www.instagram.com/p/CTVBE2bL1NK/ Learn More Hublot Big Bang DJ Snake https://www.instagram.com/p/CTVXSWDL0jr/ Learn More For more Watch news, Check out The Top 10 Watches To Start Your Watch Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 02, 2021

Hublot Releases The New Limited-Edition Big Bang DJ Snake

The brand ambassadors for Hublot share the same passion and drive to succeed no matter the sport or industry. American music artist and entrepreneur DJ Snake shares those similar values, which is why the duo's relationship continues after 3-years. Hublot is proud to announce the release of the all-new Big Bang DJ Snake, a vibrant new design that is limited to only 100-pieces. The 45mm Big Bang is presented in Titanium with an iridescent polished and satin finish, which provides a color-changing effect depending on the lighting. The skeletonized dial allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the in-house HUB1242 movement, capable of holding a 72-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. A transparent backcase provides a secondary view of the self-winding mechanism, while the outer case is engraved to signify the special release with DJ Snake. Alongside the head-turning case design, Hublot fits each example with a color-matched camouflage strap, as well as a traditional black rubber strap. The all-new limited-edition Hublot Big Bang DJ Snake is currently available through an authorized dealer for $26,200. Hublot

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