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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 – May 26, 2021

Corum Celebrates 21st Anniversary With The New Bubble X-R...

An all new Corum Bubble with commemorative ties. The Corum Bubble collection not only highlights the brand's close attention to detail and quality but also acts as a blank canvas for new creative ideas. Following the 21st anniversary of Corum, the Swiss watchmaker is proud to unveil the commemorative Bubble X-Ray. The new Bubble X-Ray takes features an all-black design, starting with the 52mm Grade 5 Titanium case. Drawing all the attention is a vibrant green skull displayed on the dial, while the time indicators are laid around the outside of the dial. Driving power to the Corum Bubble collection is the in-house CO 390 movement, capable of holding a 65-hour power reserve. Providing a comfortable and reliable experience, Corum adds a black nylon brand with matching green contrast stitching. As a truly unique piece part of the Corum Bubble Collection, the Bubble X-Ray is sure to be a collector’s example for any watch enthusiast. The new Corum Bubble X-Ray is currently available through an authorized dealer. https://www.instagram.com/p/CPVvOk3sBfh/ For more Watch news, Check out Richard Mille Unveils The New RM 74-02 & RM 74-01

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 25, 2021

Richard Mille Unveils The New RM 74-02 & RM 74-01

Two ultra-exclusive Richard Mille models, with two unique tastes. It’s always a special occasion when Richard Mille announces the release of one of its ultra-exclusive models, which tend to rich double the retail amount before the day’s end. Well today, Richard Mille is proud to unveil two new luxury examples to add to its collection. The first to make its appearance is the RM 74-02, an automatic tourbillon that focuses efforts towards a combination of lightweight design and state-of-the-art technology. The Gold Carbon TPT case is home to the brand's in-house skeletonized automatic-winding tourbillon movement, which holds a power reserve of 50-hours. Adding to the lightweight design, Richard Mille fitted the RM 74-02 with a comfortable custom-fit nylon strap. The second watch to make its introduction is the head-turning RM 74-01. The brand’s newest sport model features a matte Grade 5 Titanium case, which displays the intricate skeleton dial. Driving the Richard Mille RM 74-01 is the in-house CRMT6 Tourbillon movement, which provides daily timekeeping functions as well as a 50-hour power reserve. Completing the sport-style look of the RM 74-01, Richard Mille fit the new timepiece with a vibrant red leather strap and white gold buckle. The two newest luxury timepieces from Richard Mille are currently available through an authorized dealer. https://www.instagram.com/p/CPT2zKlsRxQ/ For more Watch news, Check out Tudor Announces The New Black Bay Ceramic

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 25, 2021

Tudor Announces The New Black Bay Ceramic

A stealthy new look to the infamous diver watch. The Tudor Black Bay continues to play a key role as an iconic divers watch for the Swiss manufacturer. Reinvented using various colors and materials, the Black Bay collection grows in popularity for watch enthusiasts. The brand is proud to announce the release of the Tudor Black Bay Ceramic, its newest addition to the dive watch collection. The new Black Bay Ceramic is presented using a 41mm matte black ceramic case with a rotatable black steel bezel. Contrasting the stealth black look of the matching dial, Tudor incorporated white hands and indicators to draw eye attention to the face of the watch. Driving power to the watch is Tudor’s in-house MT5602-1U self-winding mechanical movement, capable of holding a 70-hour power reserve. The transparent back case allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the new Black Bay Ceramic, while the outer portion is engraved with branded logos. When it comes to the bracelet, Tudor provides a comfortable black hybrid leather band as well as a functional nylon fabric strap. The all-new Tudor Black Bay Ceramic is currently available for $4,725 through an authorized dealer. Shop all of Tudor's luxury watches by clicking the link below. Shop Tudor Tudor For more Watch news, Check out Discover The New Zenith Chronomaster Sport Revival El Primero

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 24, 2021

Discover The New Zenith Chronomaster Sport Revival El Pri...

The perfect chronograph to compliment a 70s style. Watch enthusiasts and motorsports fans go hand in hand, as they are both celebrated through exclusive collaborations. Zenith is notorious as a brand that celebrates the iconic chronograph as a tool used for the track. Automotive-inspired watches have been incorporated into the brand's lineup with the original Chronomaster, which was first released in 1971. Zenith is proud to announce that the classic model is now being re-mastered as the new Chronomaster Sport Revival El Primero A3817. The new Zenith Chronomaster Revival is presented as a 37mm square-style chronograph made from stainless steel. The bezel-less case features a retro-style dial with the tachymeter displayed on the inside of the dial. Delivering power to the luxury watch is Zenith’s iconic in-house El Primero automatic movement, capable of providing a 50-hour power reserve. The Zenith Chronomaster Sport Revival highlights itself as a modern take on a classic, making it a perfect example for any collector or enthusiast of luxury watches. Completing the 70s look, Zenith paired the Chronomaster with a matching stainless steel bracelet with its branded folding clasp. The Zenith Chronomaster Sport Revival is currently available through an authorized dealer for the price of $8,400. Zenith For more Watch news, Check out IWC and Mercedes-AMG Unveil New Pilot’s Watch

By Edward Jones – May 21, 2021

IWC and Mercedes-AMG Unveil New Pilot's Watch

Celebrating a partnership between two phenomenal brands. IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-AMG have just unveiled the new Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition "AMG" and it's a must-see. Since 2004, the two brands have been collaborating in multiple ways and it's watches like this one that makes the partnership so exciting. As for the watch, the Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition AMG carries multiple "firsts." It's the first Pilot's Watch Chronograph with a case made of titanium, as well as the first Pilot's Watch Chronograph to feature the 69385 caliber. The grade 5 titanium finish for the case was inspired by AMG's Selenite Grey Magno paint finish, and it proves to be a perfect choice. Carbon fiber was chosen for the dial, calling out the aero components found on AMG models. If you flip the watch over, the case back features the AMG logo, signifying its limited-edition status. The IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition AMG can be pre-ordered on IWC.com starting May 21 or through IWC Boutiques and authorized retail partners. Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 18, 2021

Discover The New Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Ba...

The perfect watch to pair with the multi-million dollar Bugatti. The partnership between Jacob & Co. and Bugatti flourished throughout the years, continuing to bridge the gap between hypercars and exclusive luxury timepieces. The two luxury powerhouses share a similar design and manufacturing process, just on a smaller scale. Jacob & Co. x Bugatti are proud to present the newest addition to Chiron Tourbillon Collection. The new Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Baguette White Diamonds feature 419 brilliant round diamonds embedded into the 44mm 18k Rose Gold case. Beneath the sapphire crystal lies the intricate skeleton dial, which is designed to resemble the engine of the multi-million dollar hypercar. Driving power to the new Jacob & Co. x Bugatti timepiece is an in-house manual-winding JCAM37 movement, capable of holding a 60-hour power reserve and 30-meter water resistance. The meticulous detail implemented into the Chiron Tourbillon is highlighted through the genuine large-scale alligator leather band and matching 18k rose gold folding clasp. The new Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Baguette White Diamonds are currently available through an authorized dealer to compliment the hypercar in your garage. https://www.instagram.com/p/CPBk4-XgfcI/ For more Watch news, Check out The Limited-Edition Hublot Big Bang SORAI Supports Rhino Conservation

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 18, 2021

The New Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Infrared Is A ...

The new lightweight and functional Girard-Perregaux. The Laureato Absolute collection by Girard-Perregaux embodies the history of traditional watchmaking while incorporating state-of-the-art design and movement technology. The Swiss watchmaker is proud to commemorate its 230th Anniversary with a limited-edition Laureato Absolute exclusively available for the Chinese market. The all-new Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Infrared features a 44mm case formed from PVD treated Grade 5 Titanium, while the dial is made from a lightweight forged carbon blend. Underneath the vibrant red dial accents lies the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, which provides a 46-hour power reserve and 300-meter water resistance. The titanium back case is engraved with the Laureato Absolute logo referencing the special edition model dedicated to China’s watch enthusiasts. Completely the stealthy style of the Laureato Absolute Infrared is a black rubber strap with red stitching accents and a matching black PVD Titanium folding clasp. The new Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Infrared is currently available through an authorized Chinese dealer. https://www.instagram.com/p/CPBfIjPgOdc/ For more Watch news, Check out Discover the U-Boat Darkmoon

By Edward Jones – May 17, 2021

Discover the U-Boat Darkmoon

Presented by U-Boat Darkmoon - The charm of simplicity. The elegance of luxury. Darkmoon is designed with a solid 5ATM water-resistant 44mm AISI 316L steel case, available in IPB treated steel or bronze. The dial is filled with a special oil allowing a clear reading of the face and giving the no-glass illusion, with only a small air bubble to compensate for temperature variations. The dome curved sapphire glass frames the watch face, available in many differentcolours in order to offer the creation of unique looks. Darkmoon's new version comes with the innovative locking ring system granting a quickerbattery change. The captivating design is completed by an ultra-resistant black vulcanized rubber strapdisplaying the Maison's embossed logo. Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 17, 2021

The Limited-Edition Hublot Big Bang SORAI Supports Rhino ...

Hublot renews its commitment to rhino conservation. With its worldwide community of dedicated individuals, the watch world can do a lot of good in the areas of support and conservation. Hublot is a proud supporter of the conservation of rhinos, which the luxury watch brand is proud to announce the renewing with a limited-edition Big Bang model. The all-new Big Bang UNICO Sorai takes on an outdoor style with its 45mm polished green ceramic case. The inspiration behind the stop against poachers is found within the color-matched skeleton dial, where the silhouette of a rhino is etched into the 9 o’clock sub-dial. The skeleton dial allows for a closer look at the mechanism that drives the in-house UNICO movement, which holds a 72-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. Hublot included the Sorai logo on the sapphire crystal back case, while the outer case is engraved to signify the commemorative piece. The newest Hublot comes packaged with a green fabric strap with a black ceramic buckle, as well as a black rubber camouflage band with a black titanium buckle. The Hublot Big Bang UNICO Sorai is limited to only 100 examples produced for $24,100. Shop the new limited-edition Hublot Big Bang UNICO Sorai by clicking the link below. Shop Now Media/Information Source: Hublot For more Watch news, Check out Omologato Lines Up On The Pirelli Ferrari Formula Classic Grid

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 14, 2021

The New BVLGARI x Steve Aoki Aluminium Watch Is Available...

Luxury style with an artistic flare Artistic watch collaborations can come in as many forms as there are ways to express art. Music is one of those avenues that inspire creativity to produce a truly one-of-a-kind piece. BVLGARI is proud to announce its newest collaboration watch featuring International DJ and Musician Steve Aoki. Inspired to compliment the nightlife lifestyle of Steve Aoki, the 40mm aluminum watch is equipped with a complete luminescent white dial to contrast the matte black bezel. Only fully visible while the BVLGARI dial is illuminated is Steve Aoki’s logo stamped in the center of the watch. The automatic movement driving the artistic example provides a 42-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. The matte black styling is incorporated into the matching rubber strap and pin buckle. The BVLGARI x Steve Aoki Aluminum Watch is available exclusively online for $3,050. Shop the new BVLGARI x Steve Aoki Aluminum Watch by clicking the link below. Shop Now BVLGARI For more Watch news, Check out Omologato Lines Up On The Pirelli Ferrari Formula Classic Grid

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