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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 Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 21, 2016

Bentley Introduces Diesel Bentayga

First, Bentley set the bar when they introduced their first SUV: the Bentayga. Then, they defied odds with the 2016 Bentayga's specs: 600 horsepower. Two stellar engine options: 6.0-liter W12 or 4.0-liter twin turbo V8. A 0-60 sprint in 4 seconds flat. Now, they are making headway again by offering the Bentayga in diesel.The Bentayga Diesel marks a new precedent for the brand, as this is Bentley's first diesel model to be offered. Bentley is describing the new Bentayga Diesel as, "the world's fastest and most powerful luxury diesel SUV," and the specs are impressive. Equipped with a, "technologically advanced, triple-charged, 4.0-litre, 32-valve V8 engine," the SUV is capable of 429 bhp and 664 lb-ft of torque. The result is a 0-60 sprint in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph. The technologically advanced model is the most environmentally friendly of the Bentley brand with the lowest CO2 emissions of any model.(Related - Bentley Introduces 200+ MPH Flying Spur W12 S) These modifications do not take away from the modern British luxury Bentley is known for, though. The Bentayga Diesel still offers a smooth, dynamic driving experience. Additionally, the diesel edition still offers the iconic luxury interior that defines Bentley, offering a mixture of high-quality wood veneers and innovative metal finishes. Technology is in abundance as well with a touch screen, eight-inch infotainment system in the dash and removable Android tablets for the rear passengers. The Bentayga Diesel will also offer customers an array of sound system options.The new model will be available in early 2017 in Europe and then make its way to Russia, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan during the remainder of the year. At this time, no U.S. release information has been provided. View Bentley Bentayga For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 07, 2016

Bentley Introduces 200+ MPH Flying Spur W12 S

When Bentley sets out to create a new flagship model, they fuse together only the best in performance, dynamics and style. Enter the Flying Spur W12 S. This four-door vehicle, which is the first of its kind to reach top speeds of over 200 mph, now sits at the helm of the Flying Spur range. The luxury vehicle's design incorporates stunning performance without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics.Bentley Flying Spur W12 S Specs Engine: 6.0-liter twin turbo W12 Horsepower: 626 hp Torque: 605 lb-ft 0-60: 4.2 seconds Top Speed: 202 mph Power and torque enhancements are provided by a 6.0-liter, twin-turbo W12 engine, which pumps 626 hp and 605 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the increase in power, the new Flying Spur tops out at 202 mph and reaches a sprint from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with, "a new responsive suspension tune" which, "improves handling and provides even more traction" to provide the ultimate driving experience. The new Flying Spur W12 S is designed for the astute driver who wants the best in power, performance and luxury, without having to compromise one for the other.When it comes to styling, Bentley incorporated tradition and athleticism to channel the versatility of the vehicle. These details, when fused together create a look, which is both characteristically Bentley and simultaneously edgy. According to a press release,Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED daytime running lights, subtle blackware elements and a choice of stylish alloy wheels afford the Flying Spur a modern, contemporary feel. Exclusive leather stitching, LED daytime running lights, black gloss accents and a versatile color palette bring the new look together. The Flying Spur W12 S is also technologically inclined, offering riders a Touch Screen Remote and full infotainment system as well as built-in WiFi technology.Though no official release date or price has been announces, deliveries will begin at the end of the year.Bentley Flying Spurs for Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 13, 2016

Bentley Unveils Home Collection For Luxury Homes

Lifestyle collections seem to be the hot ticket for 2016, and Bentley made their lifestyle line debut at Salone Internazionale del Mobile in the form of their new Bentley Home Collection. According to a press release,The silhouettes and iconic shapes, so synonymous with Bentley, are translated into a new language of interiors. The collection balances the use of the highest quality materials and hand-crafted manufacture, with innovation; it pays homage to the brand’s illustrious heritage, while openly embracing the future. A captivating lifestyle for everyday living is brought to life.The collection includes a chair and armchair, sofa, tables and a sideboard. Bentley keeps with classic style, using neutral colors and adds modern flair through sleek lines. Depending on the piece, pricing starts at $4570 and extend to the $30,000 range.Bentley For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 05, 2016

Queen Elizabeth II's Bentley Mulsanne is Up For Sale

A quick browse session in the Bentley section of popular car site, Auto Trader (UK edition), will turn up a slice of royalty-- literally. Currently for sale at Surrey dealer, Bramley, is Queen Elizabeth II's Bentley Mulsanne finished in a regal, forest green with tan leather interior. The Mulsanne boasts Bentley's well-known specifications, including a 6.75-liter V8 engine reaching 505 bhp and a top speed of 184 mph.The Bentley Mulsanne was used exclusively by Her Majesty and was responsible for transporting her to esteemed events such as the the diamond jubilee celebrations, cabinet meetings on 10 Downing Street and more. With less than 5,000 miles of use, the car reached retirement in 2014. Now, the car is available for purchase at £199,850 (approximately $282,600).Bentley Mulsanne 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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