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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 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 – 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 – October 23, 2017

Can You Follow The Mercedes-Benz X-Class?

If you are in the market for a pickup truck, the X-Class looks appealing. It is essentially a rebadged Nissan Navara, which is sold everywhere except the US. We have enough luxury trucks to choose from, and the Chicken Tax makes foreign trucks too expensive for most buyers. So Mercedes-Benz has decided to build the X-Class for European and Asian markets, along with Australia and the Commonwealth.Say Goodbye To The Mercedes-AMG G65We're sure a few Mercedes maniacs will manage to import them under the "Show & Display" laws, but the amount of paperwork can be maddening. It is being touted as the world's "First True Premium Pickup", but the bed looks too small for almost anything practical. Engine choices range from a twin turbo V6 and two flavors of 2.9L diesel power. To make sure the world is ready, Mercedes-Benz released a new ad to YouTube over the weekend, so take a look at its abilities below and let us know if the X-Class should be sold here.

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 – September 14, 2017

Mercedes-AMG Reveals Project One Hypercar

If you thought hybrid-powered hypercars were just a fad, get ready to be amazed. Instead of adding Formula 1 technology to a production car, Mercedes-AMG turned to their race teams to build what's essentially a street legal F1 car called the Project ONE. A 1.6-liter V6 is coupled to four electric motors and the latest in battery technology. It spins to 11,000 rpm to make around 700 horsepower. Two motors up front power each wheel independently, and a the main motor/generator is attached to the engine. The fourth motor sits between the turbine and compressor of the turbocharger. It uses battery or regenerated power to provide boost in any situation. This might seem like a perpetual motion machine, but the technology comes directly from the racetrack. As a fitting tribute to AMG's 50th anniversary, only 275 cars will be produced. Each one will offer 1,000 horsepower and 20 miles of electric cruising. Reaching 60 mph in around 2.6 seconds, the top speed will be north of 217 mph.Batteries are borrowed from the Petronas F1 team, and doubled in quantity to provide 800 volts to the hybrid system. Twice the voltage saves weight by using smaller cables and motors. Launch control will have you at 124 mph in under 6 seconds, so get ready for a wild ride. Maybe it's time to get your CLK GTR ready for a new owner, so stay with us for more Mercedes-AMG updates.

By Edward Jones – September 01, 2017

First-Ever Look at the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE Hypercar

Our very first glimpse at the upcoming Mercedes-AMG Project ONE hypercar is finally here.In a quick press release from Mercedes, we get to see the silhouette and headlights of the automaker's very anticipated hypercar. On top of the image, they release a few specs about the car as well. The Project ONE will be a two-seater Brings "the very latest and efficient, fully-fledged Formula 1 hybrid technology to the road" for the first time Over 1,000 horsepower Top speed of over 217 mph Those performance numbers alone are enough to get anyone even more excited about the Project ONE. It's been almost two decades since the CLK GTR was released and I feel as though the automotive world has been waiting for Mercedes to release a car like this for some time. Well, it's almost here.2016 Ferrari LaFerrari: Price, Specs, Review and PhotosMercedes will be premiering the Project ONE at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, which starts on September 14. Check back with us for all of the official pics and specs come then.

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 Edward Jones – June 13, 2017

New OrangeArt Edition Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupes Coming Soon

Mercedes-Benz is adding even more style to the GLE Coupe with the announcement of the OrangeArt Editions.Each of the new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe OrangeArt Editions will be available in black, designo diamond white bright, iridium silver, obsidian black, polar white, and selenite grey. These exterior colors were chosen to perfectly contrast against the orange trim lines on the 21-inch AMG 5-twin-spokt light-alloy wheels and lower portion of the front fascia.Inside, the contrasting theme continues with a cabin that features black nappa leather/DINAMICA microfiber and orange piping. Mercedes notes that this very upholstery is exclusive to the OrangeArt Edition. More orange is found on the floormats in the form of the AMG logo and piping.The models available in the OrangeArt Edition lineup include the GLE 350 d 4MATIC Coupé, GLE 400 4MATIC Coupé, GLE 500 4MATIC Coupé, and AMG GLE 43 4MATIC Coupé. Showrooms will start receiving these models in August 2017.

By Andrew Nabors – May 24, 2017

2018 Mercedes-Benz Reveals S-Class Upgrades Unveiled

If you are looking for the world's most efficient full-size sedan, you will need tickets to China. To stay on the cutting edge of an ever-changing market, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a fresh face and new power for their flagship Sonderklasse. All the new systems mentioned in the press release are in all caps in bold, but we will tone them down for your perusal. The new interior is now all-LED with 64 color choices. Two 12.3" screens display all the information, and now they have 3 display modes to suit your mood. A new steering wheel has touch sensitive pads like those found on smartphones. This allows the driver to use thumb gestures for control while steering.If you prefer your car to have a holistic approach to wellness, the comfort and ambiance features have been combined into Energizing Comfort Control. It combines massaging with fragrances, ambient lighting, soothing music, and the climate control system to provide for whatever mood you find yourself in. It also has the ability to change based on your music. The system listens to the beats per minute (bpm) and determines what settings you need. Our first test of this system will involve Ramstein & Daft Punk.Also Check Out - John Cena Shows Off His Dream Car: Manual Ferrari 360 Spider Big changes under the hood involve the long-awaited 48-volt electrical system. It can transmit power more efficiently than the traditional 12-volt wiring. It is used to power the water pump, A/C compressor, power steering, and a new starter/alternator. This innovation has the ability to use excess power to spin an electric supercharger. The system will debut on the new inline six-cylinder models, but it's unclear if it will make it to the US. We will initially have two flavors of the 4.0-liter twin turbo V8. Being the last Mercedes Class to adopt the 4.0, it will be rated at 469 hp and 516 lb-ft in the S560. Big brother AMG S63 will offer 612 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque. Does this imply a bleak future for the S65? We're not sure, but it might be limited to Maybach models. The new Mercedes S-Class will be released in Europe in July, so as soon as we have more info you will see it here.

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