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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 15, 2023

Bentley Marks 20 Years In Denmark With Two Bespoke Contin...

Bentley Motors' special occasion also celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Continental GT. As Bentley Motors marks 20 years of its successful and respected presence in Denmark, the luxury automaker is pulling out all the stops for the monumental milestone. Bentley Copenhagen, operated by Semler Gruppen as the manufacturer's sole retail partnership in the country, is riding high on this celebration that also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Bentley Continental GT. Introduced in 2003, the Continental GT redefined grand touring, introducing all-wheel drive and an innovative W12 engine to the luxury car market. To commemorate these dual anniversaries, Bentley Copenhagen is showcasing two bespoke Continental GT models. First on the lineup is the eye-catching Continental GT Convertible S, finished in a vibrant Orange Flame factory shade. The second head-turner is the Continental GT Convertible Speed in Opalite, packing the powerful W12 engine. Following this, Bentley will halt orders for this W12 engine in Europe by mid-November 2023 as part of its Beyond100 strategy aimed at electrification. Bentley’s European Regional Director, Balazs Rooz, expressed gratitude to the Bentley Copenhagen team for their relentless dedication. He demonstrated that the successful past proves well for an electrifying future. View all current Bentley Continental GT examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bentley Continental GTs For Sale Source: Bentley Motors

By Andrew Nabors – April 16, 2021

2021 Bentley Continental GT V8 Equinox Edition Price & Sp...

The paintjob alone takes 5 days Japan is a huge market for Bentley, so they have received a new Continental GT V8 Equinox as an exclusive special edition. This sleek monotone motif takes 5 days in the paint booth, with repeated color sanding and buffing by hand. It is almost as appealing as the new 2022 Continental GT Speed Convertible! Mulliner spent weeks deciding the colors and details that appeal to Japanese culture. The Piano Moonbeam and black veneers are contrasted by a silver thread that runs through the interior. All the carbon pieces have pinstripes buried under several coats of clear, and the styling of every small detail was meant to focus your attention to the performance of the V8 GT. Perhaps the best part of every Mulliner build is that it can be replicated for you. Our dealers stand ready to build your new Continental GT, so click the button to begin your Bentley journey. Browse Bentley Continental GT For Sale Images (C) Bentley Motors

Continental GT Mulliner Convertible - 12

By Andrew Nabors – July 30, 2020

2021 Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Convertible Unveiled...

As the custom shop for Bentley, Mulliner spares no expense. That is why their latest creation was unveiled against the backdrop of the French Riviera. The ancient town of Saint-Tropez is the perfect setting for this amazing drop-top. It was designed and is being hand built by Mulliner, the world's oldest coachmaker, with options not offered on the base model Continental. 2021 Bentley Continental Receives new Colors and Features Starting with 88 choices of piano wood veneers, the interior has no less than 400,000 stitches. The headlights are inspired by cut crystal, and the grille has a new double-diamond design. The same diamond pattern adorns all the leather, with each diamond comprised of 712 stitches. New 22" wheels are forged to save weight and support this stately machine. Audio is provided by a 2,200-watt amplifier with 20 discrete channels. Two active bass transducers are built into the chassis, and they operate on 8 distinct DSP programs. While the V8 is optional, if you're going this big, the twelve-cylinder has twin turbos to reach 60 mph in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 207 mph. Our dealers have all the info and they will command Mulliner to build the car of your dreams. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your Bentley news. Browse Bentley Continental GT For Sale

By Edward Jones – May 23, 2017

New Bentley Continental 24 Edition Inspired by Nurburgring

Bentley is heading back to Nurburgring 24 Hours for a third consecutive year in a row, and to celebrate they have created the new Continental 24. This limited edition model is based on the Continental Supersports.This new edition will be available in two color schemes: Monaco Yellow over Black Crystal or St James' Red over Black Crystal. These colors draw inspiration from three Bentley Team ABT Continental GT3 race cars that will be competing in this year's Nurburgring 24-hour race. Joining either of these color schemes are a set of black 21-inch forged wheels that can be finished with either red or yellow to match the paintwork that was chosen for the body. Inside is a race-themed cabin with diamond quilting, Alcantara, and accents match the exterior paint. Underneath the hood is the same 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine found in the Continental Supersports. This means that the Continental 24 edition will have 700 bhp and 738 lb-ft of torque on tap. Power of this kind will give the Continental 24 enough juice to run 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds and hit a top speed of 209 mph.Related - Why Oil Spills are Bad: BMW Crashes Hard on NurburgringNow, here are the facts those who are interested in picking one of these up. As far as price goes, it starts at €250,000 (around $280,000 USD). Deliveries of the 24 planned examples will start in July, but those in the United States will be sad to hear that this model is destined only for the European market. 2016 Nurburgring 24 hour

By Andrew Nabors – January 27, 2017

2018 Bentley Continental Supersports Confirmed

Often times we are asked: "Of all the cars you have driven, which one would you choose for a daily driver?" My response is always the Bentley Continental Supersports. The response often causes people to remember the short lived model and wonder why I love it. Bentley have been building the Continental in roughly the same shape and configuration since 2003. Comfortable and classy, the easily recognizable design won't provoke the same reactions as a flashy supercar. A Continental is a polite and unassuming way to pay a little more for a much better automobile. Starting on the inside, every surface or control is substantial. Machined metal and hand stitched leather are not only built to last, they are relaxing after a long day. The coupe is a real hardtop with no pillar between the front windows and the quarter glass. Federal side impact and rollover standard have nearly eliminated this body style because it requires much more reinforcement in the quarter panels and doors. With all four windows down, it almost feels like a convertible. If you are looking for a drop-top the GTC is worthy of consideration. Back to why I would daily drive a Bentley: Supersports. Built from 2009 to 2013, the ultimate sleeper delivers 621 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque....Sent to a Torsen center differential, the AWD beast launches with the force of an ACME rocket. Built before turbos handed over all their functions to computers, brake-boosting the Bentley results in a jump to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. Acceleration out of the hole is one thing, but even from a rolling start above legal speeds it will scare you. Built in limited numbers, they originally had an MSRP close to $300,000. Many have wondered why the model was discontinued, but it will be making a return in the near future. Bentley has released the specs and images of the 2018 Continental Supersports, and it is almost unbelievable. Turbo technology has made great advances since 2013, so the new W12 engine produces 700 hp and 750 lb-ft of torque. Zero to sixty has been shaved to 3.4 seconds as long as you have race fuel (above 98 octane) and sticky tires. Extensive use of carbon fiber has trimmed around 200 lbs of weight from the body, so the gross vehicle rating of only 6,063 lbs. But if you don't want to wait for the new model, our dealers have amazing deals on the first generation cars. Stay with us for all your Bentley news and check out the listings in the link below. Bentley Continental Supersports For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 06, 2017

Bentley Unveils the World's Fastest Four-Seater

Bentley has just announced what they're calling the "world's fastest and most powerful luxury four-seat car." The new Continental Supersports returns with more power, a faster top speed and quicker 0-60 mph time, all while having four doors and four seats.(Also Read - Bentley Bentayga's Headlight Washing System is the Coolest)According to the press release issued from Bentley, the top speed of the new Continental Supersports is now 209 mph. Additionally, the luxury sedan can now rocket from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds (the new Continental Supersports Convertible will complete the sprint in 3.7 seconds).These advancements in speed are thanks to Bentley's W12 engine, which has been modified for the new Continental Supersports. The changes made to the car's heart includes new turbos, engine hardware and a torque vectoring system. All of the modifications result in an increase of 79 hp and 160 lb-ft of torque over the 2009 Supersports model. Altogether, the new 2017 Supersports has 700 hp and 750 lb-ft of torque on tap.The Supersports name is legendary at Bentley. From the very first Supersports of the 1920s, to the Continental Supersports of 2009 – and now with the third iteration of this iconic model – it is a name which excites, impassions and thrills," said Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, in the press release. "Only Bentley could create a car which blends immense performance and unrivalled luxury in this way.”Bentley Continental GT For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 04, 2016

2016 Continental GT Speed And Black Edition Unveiled: Fas...

Just in today is big news from Bentley Motors as they revealed the new and revised 2016 Continental GT Speed and GT Speed Black Edition models.Utilizing a redeveloped version of the Continental's 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine, this new GT Speed is capable of 633 hp (a 7 hp increase from last year's) and 620 lb-ft of torque (14.75 lb-ft increase). With a breath of fresh power, the '16 GT Speeds will be able to hit a top speed of 206 mph and rocket from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds (.2 seconds quicker).Unveiled along with the GT Speed is the new GT Speed Black Edition (featured image). This new variant for Bentley's fastest is available for both the coupe and convertible styles. What makes the Black Edition special are the high gloss black trimmings on the exterior, carbon fiber trimming in the cabin, contrasting colors on the front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser and contrasting leather that matches the exterior accents.Orders for the new Continental GT Speed are available now, with deliveries happening this summer.Bentley Continental GT For Sale

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