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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 Andrew Nabors – November 30, 2020

Inside AMG: G-Wagen Experience Center

Austria's second-largest city is a crossroads for European education, culture, and engineering. If your factory is not up to building your latest creation, one manufacturer tackles the hardest jobs in the automotive world. Let's go Inside AMG to see the G-Wagen Experience Center in Graz to see what the latest Geländewagen is capable of. 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Price & Specs Every G-Class has rolled out of this factory since production began in '79. Because the Magna Steyr factory is able to build almost anything, you might not know they are responsible for the Audi V8L, Chrysler PT Cruiser, BMW X3, and the Aston Martin Rapide. Those are just small fries when compared to Daimler's military vehicles, and that is where the G-Wagen shows its true colors. The latest generation proves itself as the most capable 4x4 on the market, so click the link below for great offers on 2021 models. Browse G-Class For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 04, 2020

Watch the Mercedes-AMG G63 6x6 on "Inside AMG"

No other automaker preserves their history like Mercedes-Benz. That makes sense, being that Karl Benz invented the automobile. Their most recent upload involves the history of their indestructible cross-country wagon. Since 1979 the Geländewagen (G-Class) has been built in Graz, Austria, so this episode highlights the wild abilities of the Mercedes-AMG G63, and even the 6x6. If you are reading this, you know what a status symbol the G-Wagon is, so sit back and see how capable it can be. Click the button to find yours and stay with us for all your G-Class news. Browse Mercedes-AMG G63 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 16, 2020

BRABUS Unveils Powerful G-Wagen Configurator

Most automakers will allow you to build a car in a virtual realm. Our friends in Bottrop are always one steap aphead, so BRABUS has unveiled a powerful G-Wagen configurator. Now that the 4WD world has embraced overlanding, allow us to present the vehicle that started it all. The Geländewagen "terrain vehicle" has been conquring the world's toughest situations since 1979. Now that BRABUS offers so many custom options, their web team has built the fastest & most versatile configurator we've ever seen. With 9 pages for the exterior alone, choose from 3 power levels, standard body, or the gorgeous Widestar. Tell us how you would build yours in the comments below, and click the button to browse all BRABUS models for sale. View All BRABUS For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – January 15, 2018

2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Unveiled in its Entirety

After being leaked, Mercedes-Benz has released the new 2019 G-Class (G-Wagen) and its new redesign. "The new G-Class continues to set the bar higher in all relevant areas – in terms of performance both on and off the road as well as with regard to comfort and telematics," says Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "Our 'longest-serving' model series is therefore ideally equipped to continue its success story. In short, the new 'G' is still a 'G', only better."On the outside, the new G-Wagen looks similar to the outgoing design, which is expected considering that Mercedes wants the model to maintain its decades-old styling. Aside from the new headlights and taillights, the only other major update to its exterior would be a body that's 2.1-inches longer and 4.8-inches wider.Inside, Mercedes is touting that the new G-Wagen has more space for passengers than ever before. Description Difference (vs. previous gen) Legroom in the front +1.5 in (38 mm) Legroom in the rear +5.9 in (150 mm) Shoulder room in front +1.5 in (38 mm) Shoulder room in rear +1.1 in (27 mm) Elbow room in front +2.7 in (68 mm) Elbow room in rear +2.2 in (56 mm) Under the hood of the first model in the 2019 G-Wagen lineup (G 550) is a 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 416 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Making the most out of the engine, especially when off-road, is a suite of driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Individual, Eco and G-Mode. All of these modes sound quite familiar, except for the all-new G-Mode. This new mode acts independently from the others and act as a "super mode" for those off-road adventures. When one of the three differential locks is activated, or an off-road reduction gear is engaged, G-Mode is switched on. When activated, G-Mode "adapts the adjustable damping of the chassis and the steering as well as the accelerator characteristic, avoids unnecessary gear shifts and thus ensures optimum control and maximum off-road capability."Mercedes-AMG Unveils the 53-Series CLS and E-Class Pricing for the new 2019 Mercedes-Benz G 550 and other G-Class models has not been revealed as of yet, but it will go on sale in late 2018.

By Andrew Nabors – October 19, 2017

Say Goodbye: Mercedes-AMG Announces G65 Final Edition

They gave it a good run, but this was inevitable. Mercedes-AMG has announced the G65 Final Edition. Nobody really expected them to stuff a twin turbo V12 into the G Wagen, so the world embraced the monster SUV. It's not the price of fuel that makes them hard to build. It's the ever-tightening taxes and emissions laws. Many countries tax their citizens based on engine size, and our own CAFE standards are aimed at killing the fun for everyone.So the G550 will live on with the same 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 shared with the other AMG products, and the G65 will become a hot ticket for Mercedes fans. They better act fast, because only 65 examples of the Final Edition are planned. They will be easily identified by unique 21" bronze wheels, and bronze trim details inside and out. The G65 is going out on top, with 621 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. Our dealers might be able to snag one if you act now, so click on the link below and stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG updates.Search Mercedes-AMG G65 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 09, 2017

Final Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet Auctioned by Bonham's

Auctions can be a tricky place for collector cars. The first and last examples of significant cars will either disappear into mediocrity or get the crowds into a bidding frenzy. One of the most popular ways to bring the big money is to give the proceeds to a worthy cause. That is what Mercedes-Maybach did for the last G650 Landaulet.We couldn't believe they would build such an extravagant SUV in the first place, but #99 was the final build. Each one is based on the G650, with a twin-turbo V12 sending power to three locking differentials. Your driver is partitioned in a 2-seat cockpit, while rear recliners and and a convertible top are perfect for dignitaries or celebrities. Something of this magnitude could not be left to a coachbuilder, so every G650 Landaulet was hand built at the G-Wagen assembly plant in Austria.Ferrari For Sale In Los Angeles The retail price for the luxury SUV is around $740,000 because of the time and proprietary parts needed to build them. As the last one was approaching the auction block, the manager of the G Series manager Gunnar Güthenke said: "It is a sought-after vehicle as it is forever reinventing itself – and yet remains true to its origins. It was and always will be unmistakably a G-Class, while at the same time offering plenty of opportunities for individual wishes. Our exclusive Landaulet model is the best example of this."It rides on the long wheelbase of the 6x6, with the same portal axles used on the G63 4x4 Squared. Leather and boost combined for a hammer price of over $1.4 Million. Proceeds went to Laureus Sport for Good. The worldwide registered charity supports over 100 local sports programs in 40 countries. Their goal is to get kids involved early to keep them off the streets. Kudos to them and Bonhams for allowing this unique SUV to help the less fortunate.View Mercedes-AMG G65 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 05, 2017

Chris Harris Reviews the Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4 Squared

Winds of change are blowing across the factories of Mercedes-Benz. The 4.0 liter V8 that was first introduced in the AMG GT is replacing the old familiar 5.5 liter engine. While some models made the transition without much notice, something special was needed for the iconic Gelandewagen. The market for 4WD luxury is a numbers game, so the notion of losing 1.5 liters of displacement could potentially hurt sales, so a host of upgrades have accompanied a detuned version of the C63 AMG's V8. We've extolled the virtues of the G500 4×4² when it was first released, but Top Gear has a knack for putting things into perspective. So Chris Harris decided to take the new G Wagon to a series of formidable tests. I would be hesitant to cross a creek in the previous models, because the low mounted turbos might not like the water. But since the new engine mounts the turbos up top, it can handle almost 40" of standing water....Oregon Trail anyone? The portal axles are wider which makes for a more stable ride. More axle travel and articulation also provides more comfort than any other example. Each corner has dual-reservoir coil overs that might seem like overkill, but they keep the body composed over rocks and on the street. Setups like this are often found on expensive aftermarket builds, but knowing it comes from the factory offers a nice peace of mind. If you want the most power, the G63 AMG and G65 AMG are still around, but they can't do trick like this! Stay with us for all your Mercedes & AMG news.

By Andrew Nabors – May 02, 2017

Two New Special Mercedes-Benz G-Class Models Unveiled

Riding on the recent success of the G550 4×4², Mercedes-AMG has released two new trim levels for their G-Class models. The first is an upgrade for the G500 and 350d, which are not available in the US. A series of interior upgrades and unique 19" wheels are part of the designo manufaktur Edition. A murdered out theme from head to tail includes obsidian black trim and designo black Nappa leather with contrast stitching. It is only available in three exterior colors: designo magma red, designo mystic white and obsidian black. Most of the bright work normally found inside has been replaced by Piano Black, which will make you beg for tinted windows. We hope this package is aimed at colder latitudes because it would be unbearable in Florida.Also Check Out: Naked Ferrari EnzoIf you have considered a G63 or G65, the new Exclusive Edition will arrive here with unique wheels and trim. The rolling stock consists of 295-40-21 tires with matte black wheels on the '63 and ceramic polished wheels on the '65. Both will receive a spare tire carrier in body color along with dark aluminum rub strips. Inside this Mercedes-Benz is a complete makeover by the in-house designo department. Seats can be either solid, two-tone Nappa leather, or a wild triple threat of two leather colors with a center section of black carbon leather. A color-matched steering wheel is the only leather that is not diamond stitched, which will make these G's stand out among all the competition. All models will receive "Mercedes me connect" which offers emergency calling and roadside assistance. These two packages will serve to showcase the abilities of designo for new customers. Stay with us for all of your G-Class news.

By Edward Jones – March 10, 2017

BRABUS Reveals New Mercedes-Benz 4x4 Monster

The BRABUS 550 Adventure 4x4², based on the Mercedes-Benz G 500 4x4², is more capable and impeccable than ever before. Its exterior is more pleasing to the eye, its power has been ramped up and its interior is more luxurious.BRABUS has taken the four-liter V8 Biturbo of the original G 500 4x4², rated at 422 hp, given it the new B40-550 PowerXtra upgrade. With two new turbochargers and more, the SUV's power is upped by 128 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, putting it at 550 hp and 590 lb-ft. With the power, expect the 550 Adventure 4x4² to run 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds and hit an eventual top speed that's electronically limited to 130 mph.

By Andrew Nabors – February 14, 2017

Extreme Offroad Luxury: Mercedes-Maybach G650

If you are looking for an exclusive SUV, your search is over. Mercedes-Maybach is planning a limited run of convertible G wagons based on the 4x4². To be formally unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show, the official name will be G650 Landaulet. The first 4WD to bear the Maybach name, it features a convertible soft top for the rear passengers. To be worthy of such an exclusive name, it borrows the finest elements of the S class to make a very luxurious interior. Driver and front passenger can be silenced by invoking a glass partition, and it has the same electro-chromatic abilities as the Magic Sky Roof found on the SL.Rear passengers are also treated to dual 10" screens in the partition wall and massaging seats from the S class. The wheelbase needed a stretch of 22" in order to accommodate all the pleasantries, and nothing was left out. The rear cup holders are heated and cooled for the ultimate in top-down motoring, and the seats have all the massaging features we have come to love. Power comes from the venerable twin turbo V12, offering 630 hp to three locking differentials. Hopefully, Jay-Z is on the waiting list because only 99 examples will be produced. No word of US availability was mentioned, but we will have updates after the unveiling. Stay with us for all your Mercedes news.All Mercedes G Class For Sale

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