AMG GT

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

Two men in formal attire stand beside a black car at night in Vegas, with bright lights and a replica of the Eiffel Tower visible in the background.

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 26, 2025

Brad Pitt & George Russell Star In A New Prototype Stunt ...

Mercedes-AMG gets help from Brad Pitt as a new model is on the horizon. The latest generation of the Mercedes-AMG GT takes the iconic high-performance model to the next level. Adding optional rear seats, and a range of compelling powertrains with both combustion and hybrid power means that the new AMG GT is more versatile than ever as a performance car, even without the four-door coupe companion that the previous generation had. However, that is also about to change, as a new generation of the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is coming. In anticipation of the new model, it made an appearance after Mercedes-AMG’s presence at the glitzy, buzzworthy Las Vegas Grand Prix this past weekend. On the heels of the F1 Grand Prix, Brad Pitt, who recently starred in the blockbuster F1 film, has become a close partner of Mercedes-AMG, participating in a showcase of the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe with an adrenaline-fueled stunt. Mercedes-AMG Formula One driver George Russell plays the role of a valet driver, behind the wheel of a prototype Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door coupe. The first vehicle to be based on the highly anticipated AMG.EA architecture, the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe will feature three axial flux motors, along with a direct-cooled battery, using much of the technology shown off in the groundbreaking CONCEPT AMG GT XX. Set to be fully revealed in 2026, the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is drumming up plenty of anticipation with its star-studded stunt. View All Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale " width="680"> Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

A silver Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition sports car with turquoise accents is parked on a racetrack next to a pit lane under a clear sky.

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 04, 2025

New 1-of-30 Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16 Unveiled

Mercedes-AMG brings forth a new customer racing machine. Succeeding the SLS AMG, the first AMG-exclusive model from Mercedes-Benz, the Mercedes-AMG GT has held the important responsibility of demonstrating AMG’s approach to performance in a car that was designed purely to embody AMG’s signature approach of combining luxury and compelling performance-oriented engineering. Since its introduction, however, the AMG GT has not only served that purpose, but blossomed, giving way to a family of vehicles including coupe and convertible variants, a four-door coupe, the Black Series and Track Series models, race cars, and a second generation that includes electrified models with unprecedented power and an optional four-seat layout. Now, however, a new customer racing version of the Mercedes-AMG GT has been unveiled, and it’s one of the greatest customer race cars Mercedes-AMG has unveiled yet. It’s called the new Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16, and it expands on the racing excellence of the Mercedes-AMG GT2, which was introduced in 2022. With F1 driver Kimi Antonelli as the patron of this new limited edition customer race car, its deisgn, along with many of its track-ready features, are inspired by the Formula 1 car that he pilots on courses across the globe. With 818 horsepower, it’s the most powerful customer racing car to emerge from Mercedes-AMG yet, thanks to not being made to any homologation specifications, and only 30 examples are set to be made. In addition to its increased power, its excellent racing-focused construction means that it has a strong power-to-weight ratio, and a push-to-pass function brought from the racing grid allows the car even more performance potential on demand. With immense power and track-ready innovation, the new Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16 is one of the ultimate expressions of AMG performance. View All Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

Limitiert und hochexklusiv: Mercedes AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ „Motorsport Collectors Edition“ Limited and highly exclusive: Mercedes AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ “Motorsport Collectors Edition”

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 18, 2024

1-of-200 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO Motorsport Collectors Edi...

Mercedes-Benz creates an exclusive version of its performance pinnacle. The new generation of the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe has revolutionized the high-performance icon. Now, the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe features a range of powertrains and trim levels, features optional rear seats, and now also features the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+, a version that is even further focused for track performance, with more power, a revised interior, better cooling, carbon ceramic brakes, a fixed wing and more. Adding an extra layer of exclusivity and head-turning style to the impressive Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ is the debut of the new “Motorsport Collectors Edition” of the car. Inspired by the pinnacle of AMG Motorsport, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, the Motorsport Collectors Edition features a livery inspired by the iconic F1 cars. The base color is Obsidian Black, and the car features a hand-painted Mercedes star pattern at the back of the car, along with various details in the iconic PETRONAS green color. Inside, the limited-edition car’s motorsport-inspired theme continues. The upholstery is done in luxurious and racing-inspired black Nappa leather and microfiber, with an embossed AMG crest, and contrast stitching in the PETRONAS color. The door sills feature the same color in their lighting, as well. With only 200 examples of the collector-grade AMG GT being made, the center console sports a “1 of 200” badge. Highlighting the exclusivity of the car, each example will come with a custom car cover, as well. With performance that’s ready for a track day, and inspiration taken from the most intense sector of the AMG racing world, the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ Motorsport Collectors Edition is a 1 of 200 masterpiece that speaks to AMG’s incredible legacy. View All Mercedes-AMG GTs For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 06, 2024

1-of-40 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Project ONE Edition ...

The Mercedes-AMG GT is an excellent performance car, combining dynamics, power, luxury and style into a machine that thrills drivers and turns the heads of onlookers. However, the hallowed Black Series moniker made its way to the AMG GT a few years ago, and the result was one of the most intense Mercedes-AMG performance cars yet: the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. View Listing The Mercedes-AMG Black Series boasts 720 horsepower, with racing-focused enhancements that enable it to reach 60 mph from a standstill in just 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 202 mph. In fact, it remains the third-fastest production car to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife with its 6:43.616 lap time. It was later with the introduction of the Mercedes-AMG ONE that Mercedes expanded its Nürburgring and performance domination. As a racing-derived hypercar with some of the most intense innovation and engineering ability that Mercedes-AMG has mustered yet, and it managed to break the Nürburgring production car lap record with its 6:30.705 lap time, which is still the fastest production car Nürburgring lap time today. To celebrate the AMG ONE, Mercedes-Benz also created the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Project ONE Edition, a version of the AMG GT Black Series that echoes the unique design of the Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar. The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Project ONE edition was only available to allocation holders of the Mercedes-AMG ONE, but one of the scant 40 cars produced is available for sale at Chicago Motor Cars in West Chicago, Illinois with just 37 miles on its odometer. Combining Cirrus Silver Metallic and Obsidian Black Metallic, the car features a gradient that integrates a pattern of Mercedes-Benz’s signature three-pointed stars, a livery that is inspired by the Mercedes-AMG ONE and the iconic Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 cars. A black leather and Dinamica-upholstered interior suggests the car’s no-nonsense racing-focused character, and in addition, the iconic Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 colors are also hinted at through the use of turquoise stitching throughout. One of just 40 examples made, this 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Project ONE Edition is a masterpiece that combines racing legacy, incredible performance, and ultra-rare exclusivity. A collector piece that serves as a milestone moment in automotive history, this 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Project ONE Edition is a stunning potential addition to any garage. View the listing by clicking the button. Image Source: Chicago Motor Cars

By Andrew Nabors – January 29, 2021

Mercedes-AMG Is Ready For Daytona

Tomorrow we will watch one of the best events in motorsports. Racing for a gorgeous Rolex, Mercedes-AMG is ready for Daytona. This year's Rolex 24 will feature three Mercedes-AMG GT3 teams race twice around the clock. In addition, four examples of the Mercedes-AMG GT4 will compete in today's season opener. The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge will be a four-hour battle for manufacturer bragging rights. Click the button to find a Mercedes-AMG GT and get ready to race! The BMW M5 CS is already there, so its going to be a wild weekend! Browse Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale Images: (C) Daimler A.G.

By Edward Jones – December 07, 2020

You Have to See The Ugly Christmas Sweater Mercedes-AMG GT

Just after Mercedes-Benz revealed a G-Wagon wearing an ugly Christmas sweater livery, they have revealed yet another "ugly" ride. This time it's a Mercedes-AMG GT wearing an ugly Christmas livery. However, I'll be a bit honest and say this livery is actually awesome. With checkered flags, horses and Santa Claus wearing shades and vibrant colors, this GT is actually awesome... in my opinion. This is just the latest ugly sweater car revealed by Mercedes-Benz and they say more will be coming in the weeks ahead. See All AMG GTs For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz/Instagram

By Andrew Nabors – July 09, 2020

2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Teased

Tim Burton is his given name, but the world knows him by Shmee. His popular automotive content has opened doors to major manufacturers, and this might be his most prolific appearance to-date. In the latest YouTube upload by Mercedes-AMG, he is able to borrow the 2021 GT Black Series. I was at the Tampa unveiling of the GT R, and honestly thought it should have been something like this. What we see here is wider, lower, and meaner than any Mercedes-AMG in recent history. While a formal press release did not accompany this video, rest assured we will have all the specs once they are published. In the meantime, our dealers might give you a few hints if you ask nicely. Click the button below and stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG news. Browse Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 06, 2020

RENNtech R3 AMG GT C is a Rowdy & Refined Roadster

Have you ever walked into a party and noticed someone who shouldn't be messed with? That happens every time someone lines up against a RENNtech. Without letting on that it has incredible power, it retains a pleasing sensibility while cruising. However, should you provoke it, it will not relent until the opponent is bloody. That's why we feel compelled to share the new RENNtech R3 AMG GT C, a rowdy & refined roadster. It all starts with a pair of billet turbos. Not only are the turbine and compressor sides larger, their aspect ratio is a closely guarded secret. The entire cartridge is balanced to twice its operating range to ensure years of reliable boost. Larger downpipes and their own catalysts are mandrel bent and made to bolt into the factory mufflers. This alone would be enough for most, but the complete package also includes: RENNtech ECU Upgrade RENNtech BOV Adapters BMC High-Flow Air Filters Larger impeller (inlet) and turbine (exhaust) cartridge Cartridge shaft is larger and stronger to support larger wheels Entire cartridge is fine balanced as an assembly Lightweight forged billet wheels Less rolling resistance offers quicker spooling Virtually no lag with impressive throttle response Precision machined impeller and turbine housings Up to 761 HP and 632 TQ @ crank This example also has their new RENNtech RPS 10.2 Forged Wheels (Infiniti Spoke with Signal Yellow Lip and GT Center Caps). For more information on RENNtech wheels click here Given the current situation, we all realize that life is too short to drive boring cars. Your engine was built to make this power, as it is shared across the AMG lineup. Allow RENNtech to unlock its true potential and social distance yourself in style! Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – March 14, 2019

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Sedan Revs and Accelerations: Sounds...

It seems as if factory exhaust systems are falling into two categories. The first and most popular are tuned to offer a perfect blend of aggression and civility. The others are thinly disguised race cars with pipes that scream. The first 4-door from AMG has had us wondering, so thankfully our friends at AutoTopNL borrowed a new example and wired it for sound. Using multiple cameras and mics, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Sedan sounds ready to race. Because German V8 engines use reverse-flow heads, the turbos are mounted in the valley. Each turbo is dual-scroll, and each is spun by an exhaust manifold that is tuned to the engine's firing order. The design is brilliant and efficient, but the turbos effectively negate much of the exhaust audio. If you think it's too quiet, a muffler delete is a quick and cheap solution. Tell us what you think in the comments below and stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG updates. Shop Mercedes-AMG GT Related: Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster Unveiled Why You Should Buy a Mercedes-AMG G63

By Andrew Nabors – March 06, 2018

Mercedes-AMG Unveils GT 4-Door Coupe In Geneva

We told you they weren't kidding! Mercedes-AMG has delivered their first 4-door model, the appropriately named Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. The AMG division has been building performance versions of Mercedes-Benz sedans for decades, but this is the first time they have built one from scratch. It is their third design, and it follows in the footsteps of the SLS AMG and the AMG GT. In a press release this morning, we've learned that engine choices will range from a new straight six to the wild twin-turbo V8. Horsepower will range between 429 and 630 in the new AMG GT 63 S. Torque is immense, offering 627 lb-ft between 2,500 to 4,500 rpm.Even though this "4-Door Coupe" is essentially a hatchback sedan, Mercedes-AMG label it as a coupe due to the low roofline. The windows are frameless just like the coupe, and the waterfall grille looks just like its 2-door sibling. "The new AMG GT 4-Door Coupe blends the impressive racetrack dynamism of our two-door sports car with maximum suitability for everyday use. It has a unique way of embodying our brand core, "Driving Performance" and with its systematic configuration it will attract new customers for Mercedes-AMG," said Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The war for the ultimate sports sedan seems to be heating up, so stay with us for complete coverage of the Geneva Motor Show.

AMG GT

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe