Aftermarket

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 Khris Bharath – November 24, 2025

Brabus Debuts 800 Cabrio and XL 800 Cabrio

Two distinct takes on the niche Convertible G-Class format The convertible G Class continues to remain rare and highly sought after on the secondary market. Factory open-top models have existed in minimal numbers, and once production ceased, anyone wanting a convertible G faced has had limited options. This has left a gap in the market for specialist aftermarket engineering firms to create solutions that are structurally validated machines with purpose. German tuner Brabus, amongst others, has since stepped into this lucrative space of an open-top G-Class, and the latest to join their lineup are the XL 800 Cabrio and 800 Cabrio. The convertible architecture is the key achievement here. Both models use a soft top system built from more than 500 components and reinforced with high-strength steel to maintain torsional rigidity equal to the closed-top G 63. The roof opens or closes in 20 seconds and features heated rear glass. A carbon fiber surface bow stabilizes airflow and reduces wind noise. The C BOW steel roll bar integrates into the body and uses exposed carbon elements that signal both structure and design intent. Where the two models differ is in the hardware below. The XL uses portal axles designed for extreme off-road traction and clearance. Riding on 22-inch forged Monoblock Z HD wheels, it wraps around 325-section all-terrain tires and measures 82.6 inches in overall width. The 800 Cabrio uses 24-inch Monoblock ZM Platinum Edition wheels with 295-section front and 345-section rear high-performance tires aimed at road grip. Exterior finishing is equally detailed, with the 800 XL Cab XL featuring a Pale Brown finish, where the standard 800 Cab features a stealthy black finish. Further highlights include full paint conversion of chrome and plastic surfaces, exposed carbon body elements, illuminated grille logos, and complete WIDESTAR body systems. Inside, the XL features Ravion Red leather throughout the cabin, trunk, and footwells with Shell quilting, whereas the 800 Cabrio contrasts Oxford Sand and Cairo's Brown leather and integrates Airscarf heating into the headrests for comfort at speed with the roof down. Both use quilted floors, carbon controls, and illuminated entrance panels. Under the hood, both versions run a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 800 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque through a Speedshift TCT nine-speed transmission that you can control manually using carbon paddles. A valve-controlled exhaust system changes tone instantly at the press of a button, shifting from restrained to a full V8 profile depending on the setting. The 800 Cabrio can hit 62 mph in 4.0 seconds and reaches a limited top speed of 149 miles per hour. The XL variant peaks at 130 miles per hour and focuses on stability under load rather than outright speed. As for pricing, the XL will set you back roughly €1.05 million or $1.22 million (based on current exchange rates), while the standard 800 Cabrio will set you back €906k or $1.04 million. View All Brabus for Sale Images: Brabus

A BRABUS AMG GT hybrid supercar is parked on a mountain road, surrounded by trees and rocky cliffs with misty mountains in the background.

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 29, 2025

BRABUS Unveils New AMG GT-Based 1000 Hybrid Supercar

BRABUS dials up AMG’s hybrid performance to the max. BRABUS has spent decades as one of the world’s premier customization firms, especially when it comes to the lineup of Mercedes-Benz, with the brand earning a reputation for transforming the historic luxury manufacturer’s vehicles into unique performance-oriented masterpieces with a signature style. However, BRABUS continues to push its repertoire and customization achievements forward as the Mercedes-Benz lineup evolves over the years, and the new BRABUS 1000 is one of the greatest culminations of that yet. Based on the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E-PERFORMANCE 2+2 coupe, the new 1000 boasts an absolutely incredible 986 horsepower and 1,342 lb/ft of torque, thanks to improvements made to the 4.5-liter (after increasing its displacement) twin-turbo V8 and electric hybrid team. In addition, that power is sent to all four wheels, bringing its 0-60 time to under 2.6 seconds, with a top speed that is electronically limited to 200 mph. In addition to providing a unique look in BRABUS’s signature design language, the carbon fiber body kit seen on the new 1000 is the result of intense wind tunnel testing and precise aerodynamic optimization, and is available with either a glossy or matte finish. Also enhancing its luxury, visuals, and craftsmanship are bespoke wheels, a BRABUS Masterpiece bespoke interior, and other stunningly unique touches. Carrying a price that roughly equates to $515,000, the new BRABUS 1000 is a new pinnacle for BRABUS supercars. View All Mercedes-AMG GTs For Sale Image Source: BRABUS

A sleek black BRABUS SUV, enhanced with Custom Mercedes-AMG elements, is displayed on a gray surface against a pristine white background.

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 25, 2024

BRABUS Reveals Three New Custom Mercedes-AMG G 63 Configu...

BRABUS puts its spin on the new G-Class. Mercedes-Benz recently revamped one of the most important icons in its lineup, the G-Class. Known for being the longest-standing model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the G-Class has achieved considerable fame and acclaim, whether for its off-road capability, its luxurious appointments, its unmistakable style, or its celebrity-loved glamor. However, the new generation has evolved the cherished model further, and BRABUS, well-known for its over-the-top customizations of Mercedes-Benz models, has finally revealed its version of the new G-Class. The new BRABUS 800 based on the latest W 465 Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been revealed in three different configurations: Superblack, Deep Blue, and Mean Green, with two different versions of BRABUS’s signature WIDESTAR body kit, and a BRABUS MASTERPIECE interior. All three versions are based on the new Mercedes-AMG G 63, with an enhanced version of the G 63’s performance-oriented twin-turbocharged V8 engine. The BRABUS rendition of the engine boasts 788 horsepower and 737 lb/ft of torque. They’ll get from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in less than 4.0 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 149 mph. As its name suggests, the Superblack configuration is finished in all-black, with black bodywork paired with exposed carbon fiber accents seen in the WIDESTAR kit, black wheels, and a BRABUS MASTERPIECE interior finished in black leather and Alcantara. Meanwhile, the Mean Green configuration boasts a green exterior, with green tinted carbon fiber, and an interior with emerald green Alcantara and opal-colored leather, paired with green tinted exposed carbon fiber accents. Deep Blue shows off a blue exterior, which is paired with blue tinted exposed carbon fiber, which complements the blue carbon fiber and blue leather featured in its interior. The Superblack BRABUS 800 G 63 costs roughly $515,000, while the Mean Green configuration has a price of about $535,000, and the Deep Blue is the most expensive of the three new custom Mercedes-Benz G Wagons at a price of roughly $557,000. With exclusivity, incredible craftsmanship, high performance, unique design, and a price tag to match, the new BRABUS G-Class is the latest evolution of a one-of-a-kind super SUV. View All Vehicles For Sale From BRABUS Image Source: BRABUS

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 30, 2024

Mansory Reveals The New G-Class-Based Gronos 6x6

Bespoke customization and an extra two wheels give this vehicle unmatched presence. Mansory is known worldwide for creating unique and head-turning custom cars, and many of the bespoke vehicles in its portfolio are some of the most distinct and unmistakable customs on the road, but what about off-road? Mansory’s newest creation, the Gronos 6x6, rises to that very challenge. The Gronos line from Mansory is based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which is already one of the most off-road capable vehicles on the market. This customization, however, takes it to the next level. The Gronos 6x6 starts life as a Mercedes-AMG G 63 SUV, and with Mansory’s expertise, it’s converted into a 6x6 truck, complete with coach-style rear doors. Mansory’s experience with the G-Class also includes the Gronos Coupe EVO C, where the iconic SUV is converted into an intriguing coupe body style. The conversion also includes carbon fiber accents and an enhanced body kit with Mansory’s signature style, along with almost 10 added inches of height for increased off-road adventuring capability. However, it still doesn’t stop there. Mansory adds to the performance of the vehicle, bringing the total horsepower to 900 hp, and torque to 885 lb/ft. Customers who order the new Gronos 6x6 will have virtually limitless choices when it comes to the colors, styles, and configuration of the interior, thanks to Mansory’s incredible bespoke ability. However, those clients will be a very exclusive group, as Mansory is only going to make 10 examples of the new Gronos 6x6. With ultra-exclusive rarity, bespoke craftsmanship, unique, head-turning style, and incredible off-road capability, the new Gronos 6x6 is one of Mansory’s greatest creations yet. View All Mercedes-AMG G 63s For Sale Image Source: Mansory

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By Tyler Rampersaud – December 26, 2023

HWA & CURATED Reveal New First Look Of The HWA EVO Restomod

A new year in the automotive world brings the past and the future together. Nostalgia is a very strong force in the automotive world. Especially as the industry transitions from combustion to electric power, one of the primary concerns of car enthusiasts in the automotive world is retaining the character, performance, and driving joy of classic performance cars, while still arriving promptly to the future. One of the most unique and creative ways of combining the nostalgia factor with modern performance innovation is restomods, which bring a universally loved classic to the modern era with cutting-edge technology and engineering, and the latest classic to be the subject of a new restomod project is the iconic Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo. The restoration project is from HWA, named after and founded by Hans Werner Aufrecht, the performance engineering stalwart behind both HWA and AMG, Mercedes-Benz’s famous performance engineering division, and HWA’s partner in the effort is CURATED, known for sourcing, selling, and celebrating vintage European automotive masterpieces and modern classics. As a holiday gift to fans and enthusiasts, HWA revealed a first look at the new HWA EVO, which is the result of 12,000 hours of work in the engineering, development, and design of the restomod car. The first details of the car capture the full spirit of what made the original special: its unmistakable 90s design, its revolutionary performance, and its luxurious sedan comfort. With the first look of the new HWA EVO Mercedes-Benz 190E restomod revealed, the excitement builds for next year and what’s to come from HWA and CURATED. View All Vehicles For Sale From CURATED Image Source: HWA via Instagram

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 13, 2023

MANSORY Unveils Modified Mercedes-AMG G 63 4x4 Squared

MANSORY gets its hands on the Mercedes-AMG G63 4x4², and the results are unsurprisingly spectacular. MANSORY is known for its ability to create radically customized vehicles, basing them off of cars that set the bar so high that it's difficult to add any further to their splendor. However, MANSORY is back with a new masterpiece, and it's a limited-edition spectacle known as the MANSORY Gronos 4x4. Limited to just 10 units, this powerhouse is based on the iconic Mercedes-AMG G63 4x4², a car that's already a titan in the world of luxury off-roaders. Let's talk numbers. The Gronos 4x4 isn't just for show; it packs a walloping 850 horsepower and 738 lb/ft of torque. Imagine zooming from 0 to 60 in less than 4.5 seconds, all while wrapped in a cocoon of opulence. The speed is electronically capped at 130 mph, but let's be honest, this machine is more about raw, unadulterated power than chasing top speeds. This isn't MANSORY's first rodeo with the G-Class. The Bavarian-based manufacturer has had a longstanding love affair with the Mercedes icon, producing various iterations of their Gronos line over the years. The latest offering, Gronos 4x4, takes that affinity to another level. One glance at its body styling and you know it means business. With aerodynamic add-ons like an ultra-light full carbon hood, visible carbon spare wheel cladding, and a bumper guard specifically designed for tough off-road use, this car screams luxury and performance in the same breath. It's the finer details that truly make the Gronos 4x4 stand out. Other features include LED auxiliary headlights mounted on the roof, visible carbon components like the turn signal bases and mirror housings, and door handle inlays adorned with MANSORY lettering. And if you're one of those who appreciate extreme customization, know that the Gronos 4x4 can also be armored upon special request. Now, let’s talk about the interiors, because what's a luxury vehicle if it doesn’t pamper you on the inside? The Gronos 4x4 allows for personalized leather, colors, and even quilting options. MANSORY goes the extra mile with meticulous craftsmanship like embroidered seat belts, sport aluminum pedals, and a unique center console in the rear that’s individually configurable. But wait, the party trick here is a start/stop button relocated into the headliner between the sun visors, complemented by hundreds of illuminated LEDs in the headliner and door panels to mimic a starry sky. Inside and out, any MANSORY vehicle is dedicated to over-the-top opulence and custom splendor. The Gronos 4x4 is an epitome of what happens when relentless engineering meets unrestrained luxury. It's a limited-edition marvel that redefines what a high-performance, luxury off-roader can be. If you're in the market for an exotic car that combines rugged capabilities with opulent features, the Gronos 4x4 needs to be on your radar. Trust us, it's a masterful expression of automotive excellence. View All Mercedes-Benz G-Classes For Sale Image Source: MANSORY