2018 Buyers Guide

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

2018 Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet Ocean Blue Edition

By Andrew Nabors – August 03, 2018

2018 Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG Specs, Photos, Price & Review

03The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG S is a 4.0-liter V8 engine equipped with two turbochargers. Power shared among the coupe, sedan and convertible ranges from 469 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in standard trim, to 503 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque in the C63 S trim. Performance numbers are equally as exciting, as they are anything but a slouch. The standard Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG specs rocket the car from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, while the S shaves off one-tenth of a second for its 0-60 sprint. Top speeds for the standard and S-trim are 155 mph and 180 mph, respectively.It arrives with active exhaust and a seven-speed dual clutch, sending power to the rear electronic differential. AMG Ride Control has three-stage suspension damping. Massive 15.4-in front brakes are drilled and slotted with aluminum hats. The Race Start feature provides optimal ignition and transmission settings for a blistering launch. AMG Dynamic Select allows you to personalize the settings for throttle response, shifting and suspension and exhaust. Deep bucket seats and ambient lighting are complemented by a cabin fragrance system and Burmester surround sound. Thirteen speakers include two subs in the kick panels and a five-channel amplifier. Dual USB inputs, SD card, Sirius XM and HD Radio will keep you entertained. Nine airbags and a Pre-Safe Plus are standard equipment. AWD is not an option, which is how it weighs in at only 3,800 lbs. Light, powerful and safe, the C63 S specs make this a bargain in the super sedan world. New Brabus C63 S Takes the Sedan to the Next Level 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ C63 S AMG SPECS C63 S AMG Price: $73,700Engine: 4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8Horsepower: 503 hp Torque: 516 lb-ft0-60: 3.9 secondsTop Speed: 180 mphTransmission: 7-speed dual clutch Search Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 15, 2018

2018 Mercedes Benz E63 AMG: Price, Specs, & Review

The 2018 Mercedes Benz E63 S is the most powerful E-Class ever built. They accomplished this through the 4.0-liter V8 bi-turbo engine, capable of 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque in the E 63 S and 563 horsepower and 553 lb-ft in the standard E63. As for performance, the E63 S will run 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds, while the standard Mercedes E63 specs will complete the sprint just .1 second slower. Top speeds for both cars are electronically limited at 186 mph (E63 S) and 155 mph (E63). Directing the power to all four wheels is the AMG Performance 4MATIC drive system and Mercedes-AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed sport transmission. What’s more, the drive system in the E63 S also comes equipped with Drift Mode.2017 Mercedes-AMG E63 S vs BMW M5 vs Audi RS7Activated while the car is in Race mode, this mode turns the car into a pure real-wheel drive car, making it easier for the driver to get the tail out from behind. An electronic rear differential is standard, and it allows for precise torque vectoring around corners. Inside, you are treatedto twin 12.3-in displays for gauges and infotainment. The Burmester audio system includes Front Bass. Sealed subwoofers in the lower A-pillars use wasted space to generate clean audio. The other soundtrack comes from AMG active exhaust. When opened, it allows the turbos to spool instantly for a melodious launch.2018 MERCEDES-BENZ E63 SPECS Price: $104,400Engine: 4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8Horsepower: 603 hpTorque: 627 lb-ft0-60: 3.3 secondsTop Speed: 186 mphTransmission: 9-speed dual clutch Browse Mercedes Benz E63 AMG

Auf 300 Exemplare limitiert: Neues Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Cabriolet: Ultimative Open-Air-Exklusivität

By Andrew Nabors – January 09, 2018

2018 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S560: Price, Specs & Review

Mercedes-Maybach’s new 2018 S560 is part of a new lineup from the automaker that is full of the latest technology and more power than ever before. One example of available new technology is the Energizing Comfort Control, which combines all comfort and ambiance features. This includes massaging with fragrances, ambient lighting, soothing music, and the climate control system to provide for whatever mood you find yourself in. The New and Very Limited Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet It also has the ability to change based on your music. The system listens to the beats per minute (bpm) and determines what settings you need. Under the hood of the new S560 is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, rated at 463 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. A surprising fact is that the new engine consumes almost ten percent less fuel than its predecessor. This feat was accomplished thanks in part to the cylinder deactivation, which greatly increases the efficiency of the engine. Inside, the driver will be greeted by a high-resolution widescreen display that contains virtual instrument gauges, all vital information, and the infotainment controls. Combine this breathtaking display with the aforementioned Energizing Comfort Control, and you have one sublime ride. Stay with us for all your Mercedes-Maybach price updates and news. 2018 Mercedes-Maybach S560 Specs: Price: $168,600 Engine: 4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8 Horsepower: 463 Torque: 516 lb-ft 0–60: 4.9 seconds Top Speed: 155 mph Transmission: 9-speed automatic Browse Mercedes-Maybach S560 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 06, 2017

2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Specs, Price, Photos, & Review

Get ready for some nice updates on the 2018 Mercedes Benz S-Class. Taking inspiration from the AMG GT-R, updated front and rear styling will arrive on the coupes, sedans, and cabriolets. All good things must end, so the 5.5-liter V8 is gone. The 2018 Mercedes Benz S65 AMG price arrives with 630 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Power comes from the 6.0-liter V12 bi-turbo engine. Handling the power is the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission. RENNtech AMG GT R: The Orange Beast This system has tailor-made settings for the S65, resulting in quick upshifts and downshifts. Put the drive mode into “Sport+” and the transmission is even more responsive than before. Inside, Mercedes Benz will treat you to a new instrument display. Twin 12.3-in screens offer a seamless readout of gauges, navigation, and audio. Wireless charging will keep you connected and an updated Distronic system will keep you safe. The computer uses GPS navigation along with advanced radar to adjust the active cruise control. It will slow as you approach tollbooths, exit ramps and roundabouts to match traffic speeds and resume on the other side. Sedans also receive Active Curve Control, which was previously exclusive to the coupe/cabrio. The air suspension lowers the inboard side of a corner by three degrees, lowering the G forces on driver and passengers, making it a perfect daily driver. 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ S65 AMG SPECS Price: $236,250 Engine: 6.0-liter Twin-Turbo V12 Horsepower: 621 hp Torque: 738 lb-ft 0-60: 4 seconds Top Speed: 186 mph Transmission: 7 or 9-speed automatic View Mercedes Benz S65 AMG For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 05, 2017

2018 Mercedes-Benz G550 Squared Specs, Photos, Price & Re...

Off-roading is no match for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 Squared specs. The SUV was equipped with several features to ensure best-in-class response to any kind of off-roading terrain. Boulders, water, mud -- you name it -- the G550 4x4 Squared can handle it. The power behind this brute of a vehicle is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 capable of 422 horsepower. Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4: High & Mighty It allows the big G-Class to reach speeds of 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Setting the G550 4x42 apart are the wider and taller portal axles and coil-over suspension, which allows the SUV to scale tough terrain. Additionally, the Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 is no stranger to luxury, as riders will find upon entering the cabin. Mercedes-AMG combines power and class in this one-of-a-kind SUV. 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ G550 4X4 SPECS Mercedes G550 Squared Price: $200,000 Engine: 4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V-8 Horsepower: 422 Torque: 450 lb-ft 0-60: 5.9 seconds Top Speed: 155mph Transmission: 7-speed automatic Search Mercedes-Benz G550 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 24, 2017

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT-R Price, Specs, & Review

For 2018, the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster and the AMG GT R Coupe are their flagship models. Only 2,000 examples of the R will be produced, with a retail price of $157,000. For that price, you get quite the car. Under the hood is a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine that’s handcrafted by AMG. This engine has an output of 577 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, all of which is sent to the rear wheels. When the engine’s power is opened up, the AMG GT R Coupe will run 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and top out at 198 mph. The interior is performance oriented, with a bright yellow dial in the center of the dash. It is the traction control system with 9 distinct settings. Mercedes-AMG GT-R Sets New Record at the 'Ring Coming directly from the GTE race cars, each increment allows for instant adjustment on the track. Carbon fiber plays every role, from roof panel to belly pans, and it allows the curb weight to stay below 3,400 lbs. A seven-speed dual clutch transmission is placed out back and connected to the engine by a carbon fiber torque tube. This allows for ample cockpit room and perfect weight distribution. Rear wheel steering provides a shorter wheelbase in the corners, which works with torque steering in the active differential to keep you glued to the track. AMG Sports Suspension makes it the only GT car to offer three damping modes, along with adjustable coil over springs.Ferrari 575M For Sale 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT-R Specs Price: $157,000Engine: 4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8Horsepower: 577Torque: 516 lb-ft0-60: 3.5 secondsTop Speed: 198 mphTransmission: 7-speed dual clutchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=18&v=mIFDnLJAmzk

Ab sofort bestellbar: E-Klasse Cabriolet und Mercedes-AMG GLC-Modelle

By Andrew Nabors – October 17, 2017

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC63 AMG

This is the first time a mid-size SUV in Mercedes-AMG’s lineup will be available for a twin turbo V8 engine. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine used in SUV and Coupe variants of the GLC Class are already used in other AMG cars, including the GT sports car family. The GLC Coupe is a four-door crossover with a fastback roofline. Compare the GLC Coupe to the SUV belowMercedes-AMG Unveils The GLC Coupe GLC SUVIn each of the models, their engines are mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission. As for the SUV and Coupe models, 0-60 mph will arrive in 3.9 seconds, while the S Coupe model will complete the run in just 3.7 seconds. This wolf in sheep's clothing also arrives with AMG's active exhaust and 4MATIC+ All Wheel Drive.Price: ........................................................................................................TBDEngine: ......................................................................................................4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8Horsepower: ..............................................................................................503Torque: ......................................................................................................516 lb-ft0-60: .........................................................................................................3.7 secondsTop Speed: ................................................................................................155 mphTransmission: .............................................................................................9-speed automaticSearch Mercedes-Benz GLC For Sale

2018 Buyers Guide

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