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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 Tyler Rampersaud – September 06, 2023

Mercedes-Benz Reveals The New E-Class All-Terrain

Off-road capability adds versatility to E-Class luxury.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 25, 2023

Mercedes-Benz Debuts The Newly Designed E-Class Luxury Sedan

A bridge between tradition and digitalization: the new E-Class

By Andrew Nabors – June 18, 2020

Mercedes-AMG E63 S Updated for 2021

Last month we introduced you to the new Mercedes-AMG E53 for sale. It utilizes a turbocharged straight-six along with a 48-volt hybrid system to offer power and efficiency. While the base model E-Class coupes and sedans will retain four-cylinder power, the twin-turbo V8 has been treated to a snazzy new outfit. The Mercedes-Benz E63 S updates for 2021 include unique exterior styling along with a new interior. Instead of adding AMG badges to the E-Class sedan, the only parts they share are the door handles and roof panel. Everything from the intakes to the rear diffuser is new and optimized for outright performance. Inside we are treated to the widescreen instrument cluster first seen on the S-Class. It includes a multi-function steering wheel, MBUX infotainment system, and the AMG-specific performance menu. This offers all engine data, warm up alerts, lap timer, G-meter, and telemetry. In Supersport mode, both 12.3" screens are limited to a central tachomemter, hiding non-essential data to keep your eyes on the road. What has not changed is the powerhouse under the hood. With 603 horsepower on tap, you will reach 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. The 4MATIC+ system sends 627 lb-ft of torque to all wheels when needed, or solely to the electronic rear differential in Drift mode. Perhaps the best feature is "Gliding". Much like the flywheel on a bicycle, the transmission disconnects the car from the road when coasting. Not only does this save fuel, it feels fun once gravity takes over. Each corner has triple-chamber air suspension for the ultimate in ride comfort and handling. Our only wish is for the E63 S wagon to return to the U.S. It will only happen if you demand it from your local dealer, so click the button below and stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG news. Browse Mercedes-Benz E-Class For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 26, 2020

2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Offers AirScarf & Ai...

Attention to detail is what makes the E-Class Coupe & Convertible a sensible choice. Our Sales Manager had the previous generation for 5 years, and it was among the best convertibles I have experienced. The only way it could have been better is more control of cockpit air. That is why two ingenious systems have been added to the new model. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet will arrive win AirScarf and AirCap. Top 50 Best Exotic Cars & Supercars of All Time I first encountered AirScarf on Mr. duPont's 2012 SLS AMG Roadster. Perfect for cool weather cruising, the seats force warm air down your back and around your head. It is computer-controlled based on speed until 75 mph when it goes full blast. The icing on the cake is the new AirCap. Consisting of a windshield deflector and a partition behind the cockpit, it creates a high-pressure bubble of hot or cold air that prevents turbulence. Not only does this reduce drag at highway speeds, but it will also cut down on wind noise so you can relax with your significant others. Browse Mercedes-Benz E-Class For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 15, 2018

Mercedes-AMG Unveils the 53-Series CLS & E-Class

More much of their history, AMG only built powerful V8 versions of Mercedes-Benz cars. They proved to be so stunning that the aftermarket shop was brought in-house. Recently you might have noticed the AMG 43 series cars on the world's best site for exotic cars for sale.The 43 Series consists of a twin-turbo V6 rated close to 400 horsepower with 380 ish torque, depending on the application. Forced induction and smaller engines are all the rage because you get V8 power with small displacement. Many countries tax drivers based on engine size, but even the best V6 will suffer from slight turbo lag until boost is made.CLS53 Mega Gallery So Mercedes-AMG is taking a page from the past. The new 53-series is based on an inline, or straight 6 engine. Instead of twin turbos, the future has arrived. One turbocharger is augmented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The electric-powered kompressor can add 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque for a total of 429 hp and 384 lb-ft for both the new CLS53 and E 53 models. It also has the ability to provide energy when cruising, allowing the fuel injectors to run at idle.Two Hypercars Bought With BitcoinInitially available on the 2019 CLS 53 and the E-Class coupe & cabrios, rumors about it will become the new base model engine in the S-Class and others. Combined system output is 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, and it is sent to a 9-speed automatic. This power and transmission allows for a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds in the CLS53 and E 53 Cabriolet, and 4.3 seconds in the E53 Coupe. One final benefit is that straight six engines have one of the best exhaust sounds in automotive history, so get ready for a straight-pipe symphony. Our dealers have more info on the 53 Series, so click the link below and stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG updates.Browse Mercedes-AMG For Sale E53 AMG Mega Gallery

By Andrew Nabors – February 02, 2017

Mercedes-AMG Unveils New E63 S Wagon

You knew it was going to happen. The mad scientists at AMG have stuffed their twin turbo V8 into the new E-Class wagon. The new E63 S wagon uses the 4.0 liter V8 found in other AMG models to offer 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Six times the power of a 1.0-liter Focus is sent through a nine-speed multi-clutch transmission to a revised 4MATIC+ AWD system. It allows 60 mph to arrive in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph (limited electronically). The twin-scroll turbochargers spool up quickly, offering maximum torque from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm.(Mercedes-Benz Unveils AMG GT C Edition 50)In an attempt to harness such power, 4MATIC now has an electronic center differential and a locking rear. The body is 1.1-inches wider, which brings cargo space up to 35 cubic feet. A new air ride system has triple chambers which offer lightning quick changes to ride height along with improved camber control. Front brake rotors are 15.4" and 1.4" thick. The power steering is electric, with a variable ratio to offer proper feedback. A new Drive Pilot mode uses hands-free steering control along with intelligent cruise control to drive itself in bumper to bumper traffic jams. Handing over that much power to a computer sounds like Skynet, but we will know all the details after the formal launch at the Geneva Motor Show. Stay with us for more Mercedes-AMG news.Mercedes-AMG E63 For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 26, 2016

2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 Debuts with Drift Mode

Say hello to the new 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 and E63 S, the most powerful E-Class the automaker has ever created. This new performance sedan was detailed and unveiled in a press release issued today by the German company.(Luxury Cars For Sale)The first thing Mercedes noted in the press release was that the new E63 was created to be the most powerful E-Class of all time. They accomplished this through the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, capable of 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque in the E 63 S and 563 hp and 553 lb-ft in the standard E 63.As for performance, the E63 S will run 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds, while the standard E63 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 AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed sport transmission. What's more, the drive system in the E63 S also comes equipped with a drift mode.What's more, the drive system in the E63 S also comes equipped with Drift Mode. Activated 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.Expect the 2018 AMG E63 to make its auto show debut at the 2016 Los Angeles International Auto Show, while the US dealer launch is set for the summer of 2017.All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Mercedes-AMG E63 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Engine 4.0L V8 biturbo 4.0L V8 biturbo Displacement 3,982 cc 3,982 cc Output 563 hp at 5,750 – 6,500 rpm 603 hp at 5,750 – 6,500 rpm Peak torque 553 lb-ft at 2,250–5,000 rpm 627 lb-ft at 2,500–4,500 rpm Drive system AMG Performance 4MATIC+ permanent all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution AMG Performance 4MATIC+ permanent all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution and drift mode Transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed sport transmission sport transmission Acceleration 0–60 mph (sec) 3.4 3.3 Top speed 155 mph (electronically limited) 186 mph (electronically limited)

Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse All-Terrain (S213), 2016

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 21, 2016

Revealed: Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain

Yesterday, Mercedes-Benz teased the masses with a video of the all-new E-Class All-Terrain. Today, they're giving the full scope with a detailed and informative press release. Straight from the company, this says it all:From unpaved tracks to rock climbing or steep serpentine roads to a snow-bound ski lodge – the new E‑Class All‑T errain takes routes where conventional estates often have to give up effortlessly in its stride thanks to greater ground clearance with large wheels and 4MATIC all-wheel drive as a standard feature. And it also cuts a fine figure thanks to its striking look with powerful flared wheel arches and SUV radiator grille.Embodying luxury and innovation, the new E-Class All-Terrain offers incredible performance, a one-of-a-kind driving experience and an abundance of safety features packaged in a handsome body style and plush interior.The E-Class All Terrain will be equipped with a four-cylinder in-line diesel engine. A six-cylinder diesel engine will be available as a variant down the road. The E 220 d 4MATIC vehicle will include a 9G‑TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and standard DYNAMIC SELECT, which offers five different driving modes to choose from. The E-Class All-Terrain is capable of 0-60 mph in 5 seconds with a top speed of 144 mph. Mercedes-Benz E-Class For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 20, 2016

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class All Terrain Teaser Alert!

It wasn't much, but today, Mercedes-Benz provided a preview of the new E-Class All Terrain form of a YouTube video. The teaser video provided a brief look at the front grille, all-terrain feature, wheels and side panels. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz let viewers know the new E-Class will be on display at the 2016 Paris Auto Show, which is right around the corner.Check out the teaser video below. What are you looking forward to in regard to the new model? Mercedes-Benz E-Class For Sale

Mercedes-AMG E-Class Estate (BR 213) 2016

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 13, 2016

Mercedes-AMG Debuts First E-Class Performance Enhancement...

For the first time, AMG will be working with the Mercedes E-Class to create performance enhanced models for the AMG fan. The E 43 4MATIC Saloon and Estate models will offer AMG design, performance and superior handling-- of of which is to be expected from an AMG Mercedes. Sport and class are both at the helm of design, giving Mercedes-AMG fans just a few more options to choose from when picking their vehicles.The new designs are a part of Mercedes-AMG initiative to expand the AMG line so it can offer more options to its versatile clientele. As stated by Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "We have considerably expanded our model range for performance-oriented customers with our new 43 models, creating numerous new ways of entering the world of Mercedes-AMG. The new E 43 4MATIC Saloon and the new E 43 Estate add particularly versatile alternatives for business and recreation to this extensive product range" Both will offer 4MATIC four-wheel drive and power enhancements created by a fusion of technology and turbos. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine is equipped with larger turbo chargers, which amount to 401 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. This enhanced power makes for a 0-60 sprint at 4.6 seconds for the Saloon and 4.7 seconds for the Estate. Both models top out at speeds of 155 MPH. Mercedes-AMG states the new E 43 4MATIC package, "guarantees performance on par with sports cars, complete with a noticeably sporty throttle response."Both interior and exterior will model a sporty, AMG design, though no concrete details on styling have been released at this time. Stay tuned to Autofluence for updates as more information becomes available. View All Mercedes-Benzs For Sale

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