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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 – August 31, 2020

Bentley Celebrates 40,000 Flying Spurs

After 3 generations and 15 years, Bentley Celebrates 40,000 Flying Spurs. Described as a Luxury Sports Sedan, the first examples arrived in 2005 badged as a 4-door version of the Continental. While considerably smaller and lighter than their Mulsanne flagship, it was Bentley's first sedan built with help from the new owners at VW. A clean-sheet design, it was an immediate hit thanks to big power and refinement without sacrificing traditional coachbuilding. Bentley Flying Spur Arrives With 3D Wood Paneling Since the beginning, each example has required over 100 hours to build by a dedicated team of 250 coachbuilders. Sold in 68 nations, 50% of sales take place in the U.S. and China. Once an independent custom shop, H.J. Mulliner's success with the Flying Spur was a major reason to bring their operations in-house. Our dealers stand ready to take your order, so click the button below and you won't regret it. Browse Bentley Flying Spur For Sale

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 Andrew Nabors – June 26, 2020

Bentley Mulsanne Production Ends With a Spectacular Last ...

Almost everything about luxury cars has changed over the past 11 years. We can't argue with the quality or technology that VW has infused into Bentley, and it was honorable to leave the Mulsanne and its dedicated coachbuilders alone. The Mulsanne has nothing in common with any other Bentley. The chassis, suspension, safety features, and electronics have been updated as far as possible, so there is no logical way to bring the old Lady into the modern era. Bentley Mulsanne Speed Specs, Price, Photos & Review The 6.75-liter V8 sat between frame rails that were thicker and stronger than railroad track. Every part of the car was made by hand, then assembled in a delicate fashion. This allows every Mulsanne to offer quality and luxury in even the smallest details. It was the perfect nemesis for the Rolls-Royce Phantom's 7th generation, who we bid farewell in 2017. All good things must come to an end, so the final car is a Mulsanne Speed 6.75 Edition by Mulliner. Finished in Rose Gold over Tungsten, it was ordered by a collector in the U.S. It will arrive with 530 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque, along with several custom features from the Mulliner depertment. Like all greats, the Mulsanne has gone out at the top of its game, with a legacy of over 7,300 cars to its credit. Collectors are scrambling to get their hands on the final examples, so click the link below before they are gone forever. Browse Bentley Mulsanne For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 02, 2020

Bentley Bids Farewell To Their Legendary V8

Stop chopping onions, we have something truly worth crying about. In a poignant press release last night, Bentley announced the end of an era. The assembly plant in Crewe has built the last 6.75 (6¾-litre) V8 engine. After six decades, the last build is already under the hood of the 30th and last specially commissioned Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner. Anyone who loves fast cars can appreciate the beefy internals of the L-Series engines. Introduced in 1959, they have powered over 36,000 Bentley and Rolls-Royce models with smooth & quiet performance. Designed to outlive the car, the bearings, valvetrain, oil system and cooling evoke the same engineering brilliance that delivered the world's first jet engine, and the weapons that won the Battle of Britain. It is hard to say goodbye to such an amazing machine, but the tooling is worn out. Instead of spending big money to keep the graceful old lady in production, it is time to embrace smaller, lighter, & more efficient engines. Going out on top, the last Mulsanne offers 537 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque. Nothing in the near future will be able to match such brutal force, so click the link below to browse find your new Mulsanne for sale before they are gone forever. Bentley Mulsanne For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 12, 2019

Bentley Develops Augmented Reality for the EXP 100 GT

Bentley's 100th Anniversary masterpiece is unlike any other car. As a preview of where Grand Touring will be in 2035, Bentley fans have been clamoring to learn every detail. That's why their latest App allows smartphone users to experience the car in 3d using augmented reality. Initially available at select dealers, it is also available from the app store. Interact with the luxurious interior in full scale, or manipulate the moveable details in a 3:4 desktop version. The key to the car's viability is autonomy. The Bentley Personal Assistant will learn your preferred routes and settings for various systems. If this virtual world is a preview of the future, it looks as if Bentley is leading the way. Until then, you should bide your time in the latest Continental GT. Click the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Bentley News. Browse Continental GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 29, 2019

Bentley Reveals All-New Flying Spur

We have been anticipating this one for months. While there was nothing wrong with the previous generation, advancements in technology and power were saved until the right moment. And that time is now, as Bentley has revealed the all-new Flying Spur. This marks the third generation of their Grand Touring Sedan, and it will debut several new systems. The first is Bentley Dynamic Ride. It incorporates the functions of the sway bars into the shock absorbers for continuous adjustment of the suspension response. A silky smooth ride is complimented by All-Wheel steering. Borrowing parts from their cousins at Porsche, it offers more stability on the highway and incredible low-speed maneuvering. Lastly, the AWD system send power to the rear by default. It only engages the front wheels when wheel slip is detected. A formal reveal will include all the details on June 11th. You know where to see it first, so stay with us for all your Bentley news. Browse Bentley Flying Spur For Sale Related: Next Generation Bentley Flying Spur Teased More Bentley Flying Spur Teasers

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By Andrew Nabors – February 15, 2019

Almost 300 Luxury Cars are Missing in Papua New Guinea

If you attended the APEC summit in November, please return your car. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is a gathering of nations from around the Pacific Rim. Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea was the location, and hopefully, the conference led to better trade and communication between the member states. You can't roll up to an economic summit in an Oldsmobile, so the dignitaries were offered loaner cars from Bentley and Maserati. The only problem is that after 3 months, almost 300 luxury cars are missing in Papua New Guinea. Reuters' Sydney office was the first to pick up the story, as Australia provided many of the cars. Unfortunately, the notion of 300 expensive cars rolling around the poverty-stricken nation sparked protests. In the midst of a polio crisis, the government promised to auction the cars after the event, but only 40 Maserati Quattroporte (representative model is seen above) and three Bentleys were returned. So far, 9 cars have been stripped after confirming VIN information of the parts. Shop Luxury Cars For Sale Related: Sultan of Brunei's Car Collection is at 7,000 and Growing Philippines President Crushes $5.5 Million in Cars Source

By Edward Jones – March 20, 2018

Bentley's Fingerprint Scanner for Car Storage

Having peace of mind knowing that your valuables are safe is always important. For that, Bentley's Mulliner has created a new fingerprint sensor for their aluminum storage unit that's found in the Bentayga's cabin. This box is a perfect place to store those valuables when out and about, because there's no need for you to carry around a key or remember a code. All you need to do is make sure you don't lose your fingers! This aluminum storage unit also comes with two USB ports and an auxiliary socket that can be used to charge your devices that are located inside or outside the unit.Prized 1949 Bentley Race Car to be Auctioned

By Edward Jones – March 08, 2018

Bentley Bentayga Hybrid: First of its Kind

Bentley has just announced the new Bentayga Hybrid as the "world's first luxury hybrid model" at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. This new model is the first of many electrified Bentleys to come, with the ultimate goal being full-electrification.“The Bentayga Hybrid is our first step on the road to electrification, combining traditional Bentley values with the very latest technologies," says Adrian Hallmark, the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bentley Motors. "It gives customers the best of both worlds – engaging, effortless performance on the open road and silent, emission-free driving in the city, which will become increasingly important with the ever-changing regulations around the world.2019 Bentley Bentayga: 10 Facts You Should Know

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By Edward Jones – March 01, 2018

Bentley Bentayga Mulliner: "Inspired by the Sport of Kings"

Bentley and The Jockey Club have an ongoing partnership that has resulted in the creation of a very special Bentayga. Called the Bentayga by Mulliner, Inspired by The Festival™, this SUV is a complete one-off commission that will never be replicated. In the press release for the one-off luxury SUV, Bentley notes that this Bentayga drew inspiration from the world of equestrian sport.This Bentayga has an exterior finished in "Spruce" paint that is Bentley's take on the classic British Racing Green paint. Small amounts of black are introduced to the body through the Blackline Specification features and 21-inch black wheels. Inside the cabin is bespoke tweed with Cumbrian Green and Saddle leather, as well as light blue contrast stitching on the doors and seats. To top it all off is a golden horse graphic on the passenger-side veneer.2019 Bentley Bentayga: 10 Facts You Should Know “The Cheltenham Festival is widely recognised as one of the finest horseracing events in the world, and The Festival’s unique sense of occasion is a perfect showcase for the world’s most exclusive SUV, the Bentayga," says Uday Senapati, Mulliner’s Head of Technical Operations. "The Mulliner team has been deeply inspired by the equestrian lifestyle, and this has encouraged us to use new materials and techniques for the first time on a Bentley in developing this one-off commission.”Used Bentley Coupe

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