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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 11, 2016

Mercedes Teases New Maybach Coupe

Something big is coming from Mercedes. In an image uploaded yesterday to their social media accounts we see the silhouette of a new Maybach coupe. Sharing a striking resemblance to their 2004 Excelero, the caption reads "Hot & cool- almost six meters of ultimate luxury".You might remember the Excelero from the cover of our September 2005 issue. It was a stunning design commissioned by Fulda (Goodyear of Germany) to showcase their latest tread designs. All four tires measure 315/25 ZR23 and are probably irreplaceable. The engine and chassis were borrowed from a Mercedes SLR McLaren, and Top Gear reported that it was purchased for $8,000,000 by the rapper Birdman. We've lost track of it over the years but it would be nice to see it in action again. Hot & cool – Almost 6 meters of ultimate luxury. pic.twitter.com/OXMQvXFbVO — Mercedes-Benz (@MercedesBenz) August 10, 2016 A giant new Maybach concept is just what the industry needs, so let's hope the build more than one example. Mercedes only uses the Maybach name in homage to the big German touring cars of the late 30's. Reserved for the largest cars in their portfolio, this new concept is a blast from the past. As soon as more info is released you will see it here first. In the meantime take a look at these sedans from our dealers.View All Maybachs For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 15, 2016

Mercedes Unveils Final Editions of CLS & CLS Shooting Brake

All good things must come to an end, and Mercedes is giving the CLS a Grand Finale. A press release last night outlines the details of the CLS Final Edition. We never understood why the Shooting Brake version was never sold in the US, but it will receive the same content. As Mr. Daimler was fond of saying: "The best or nothing", AMG was brought in to make sure this Final Edition will be the best CLS ever built.(Also Check Out - Rare Pagani Zonda Revolucion Racing and Pit Stops at Sebring)Most of the exterior is from the AMG CLS63, including the 19" multi-spoke wheels. All of the expensive optional content has been included. Final Editions will arrive with MULTIBEAM LED headlights, panoramic roof, sport steering wheel and dark tinted windows. The interior is black leather with contrast color stitching, and DINAMICA microfiber accents. Pricing for this package is listed at €8,211 or just over $9,100, and all exterior colors are available. Available for order in Europe, we hope they allow us to experience it also.CLS For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 07, 2016

Mercedes-Benz Delivers One Million Cars In Six Months

This week the good news keeps rolling in for popular luxury and exotic car brands. Most recently, Mercedes-Benz is joining the ranks of high-performing brands with over a million cars delivered in the first half of 2016. This is a new record for the company and represents double-digit growth to the tune of 12.1 percent.A total of 1,006,619 vehicles were delivered in the short, six-month period, with 188,444 delivered in June alone. The company attributes much of this year's success to it's SUV line, which has recently undergone much renewal. The SUV sales represent one-third of total sales for the Mercedes-Benz family of vehicles. The success marks record sales months for 40 months in a row for the company. With the recent release of the Mercedes-AMG GT R, the luxury maker is well on it's way to another successful year. June 2016 Change in % Jan.-June 2016 Change in % Mercedes-Benz 188,444 +11.1 1,006,619 +12.1 smart 13,147 +16.0 73,510 +18.3 Mercedes-Benz Cars 201,591 +11.4 1,080,129 +12.5 Mercedes-Benz unit sales in the region/market Europe 86,657 +13.7 444,581 +13.3 - thereof Germany 28,790 +7.4 142,756 +7.8 Asia-Pacific 63,754 +16.4 346,220 +21.7 - thereof Japan 6,356 +0.4 32,120 -1.4 - thereof China 39,462 +21.4 219,999 +33.1 NAFTA 33,245 +2.4 189,512 +0.1 - thereof USA 28,473 +1.5 162,777 -1.3 Mercedes-Benz Vehicles for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 24, 2016

Germany vs Italy: Lamborghini Huracan vs Mercedes-AMG C63

DragTimes knows how to stage a real race. We have been following a strange trend in motorsports. No matter what type of race you attend, a Lamborghini Huracan is either competing, or at least on display by one of the participants. The reasoning behind this could be stunning Italian styling, or it might have something to due with their ability to put over 600 hp to all wheels, all the time.(Related: Tesla Model S P85D Ludicrous Mode vs Lamborghini Huracan)As a worthy competitor, the previous generation C63 AMG sedan packed the final version of AMG's 6.2L V8 tuned to 481 hp. But this car has been heavily modified by Weistec Engineering to make 770 hp. But that power is only sent to the rear wheels, and the steel-bodied sedan has a major weight disadvantage compared to a carbon fiber coupe.We're not sure if lane choice had anything to do with the outcome here, but something went wrong on the tower side. Pay close attention to the 60' times in the results, because races are won and lost on the holeshot. Kudos to DragTimes for using a pro tree instead of sportsman, its a great divider between amateur and professional competitors. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more heads up 1/4 mile action.Huracans For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 24, 2016

Revealed: 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R

Straight out of the green hell of the jungle comes the new Mercedes-AMG GT R, fully equipped with AMG driver, Lewis Hamilton, swerving and skidding through the Nurburgring racetrack which portrays an Amazonian-esque setting. If the luxury brand's goal was to grab attention and thrill and audience, they succeeded.Revealed today, the new Mercedes-AMG GT R, brings the most demanding features of a track-ready supercar to the streets.Mercedes-AMG GT R Specs Engine: Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo with Dry-Sump Lubrication Horsepower: 577 hp 0-60: 3.5 seconds Top Speed: 198 mph Torque: 516 lb-ft The new GT R combines lightweight construction with modified suspension and new aerodynamics, which results in superior performance and an edge in handling. Finished in the exclusive AMG green hell magno, the GT R is sure to stand out in a crowd. Further modifications include wider front and rear fenders and a large rear aerofoil with rear fascia and double diffuser designed to enhance aerodynamics, tighten turns and provide maximum grip.ExteriorDesigned with the track in mind, the new Mercedes-AMG GT R is powerful, long and forged with well-known AMG performance. Design and aerodynamics go hand in hand with this project, signifying a tight relationship between the two design and engineering teams to create a truly track-worthy vehicle. Athletic and strong, the exterior body is dynamic and powerful with pointed edges and an arrow-like front end. Front fenders are made of light carbon and include specially designed cooling vents. AMG Performance forged wheels are finished in 10-spoke matte black.InteriorNappa leather and DINAMICA microfiber cover race inspired seats and are complimented by yellow accents including seat belt sand special AMG Black Piano Lacquer interior trim and controls. A wide dashboard exudes an aviation look and includes a multitude of vents including individuals on either edge. A freestanding central display and center console adorn the midsection of the interior with high-quality AMG Drive Controls.Want to check out the full experience? Lewis Hamilton will take you on a tour of the North Loop of the Nurburgring racetrack in the video below.

By Edward Jones – June 20, 2016

Mercedes-AMG Teases GT R: Beast of the Green Hell

The upcoming release of the Mercedes-AMG GT R is being preceded by a very interested campaign revolving around the hashtag #BeastoftheGreenHell.(Related: New 2017 Mercedes-AMG GT R Spied Testing, With Engine Sound)Details on the car itself are scarce, but we do know that this new beast is going be a track-ready version of the GT. The version teased in the video and images found in this article is finished in a fitting green paint, which blends in with the foliage. Along with the vibrant finish, another noticeable addition is a bit wing in the rear. As far as the specs go, all we know is that it features the Biturbo V8 engine.Check out the teasers below to get a taste of what's to come.View AMG GT S' For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 13, 2016

Mansory Builds 1 of 1 Mercedes-AMG GT S

No build is too intimidating for the masters at Mansory, because they have made a name for themselves by improving on perfection. The Mercedes-AMG GT S is a potent machine, but one discerning enthusiast needed more. Turning his vision into reality, their creation is a bespoke GT S that can not be recreated.(Related: Mansory Aventador J.S. 1 Edition is Carbon Overload)Everyone knows Mansory for exaggerating and accentuating factory designs, but the owner asked for more. From turbos to tailpipes, the exhaust system is all new and unrestricted. Intake and tuning upgrades push horsepower to 720, and the top speed is now 205 mph. To provide stability at those speeds, more traction was required. Front tires are 9.5" and rears are 10.5 on 21" forged wheels. New fenders and quarter panels were handcrafted to flare the body around the rubber. Out back is a rear spoiler that would scare any Viper, with the carbon fiber finished in ruby red.The red theme continues through the interior, with hand-sewn seat covers and trim. We know little about the owner, except that his name is Bandar. We applaud his attention to detail and we hope to see this wild GT S in the future. Stay tuned for more wild Mansory builds!GT S For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 13, 2016

Mercedes-Benz Plans for All Electrified Models in Future

Over the next two years, Daimler is slated to invest an unprecedented seven billion euro (approximately $7.8 billion in US) into what they are referring to as green technologies. Usually, such a large sum of money would be invested over a long period of time, but Daimler is leading the industry in doing so over a mere two years. By 2017, the car maker will offer all models with electrified engines.According to Professor Dr. Thomas Weber, a member of the Board of management of Dimler AG, stated, "...no other manufacturer offers a comparable range of electrified vehicles and solutions in the field of electric mobility. The spectrum ranges from the smart city runabout and attractive Mercedes-Benz passenger cars to buses, coaches, and trucks of the Fuso brand. We will electrify all Mercedes-Benz passenger car model series step by step.“(Also Read: Tesla Model X: 32 Facts You Didn’t Know About the Electric SUV)The Mercedes-Benz name will not be compromised by lack of power, as stated in a press release, but will instead offer customers a broader range of engine options, keeping in mind the specific needs of each model and the desires of the purchaser. Mercedes-Benz will offer a multitude of plug-in hybrids and expand carbon-free options by implementing emission-free vehicles into every realm of their model options including buses and commercial vehicles. The car maker recognizes a need for more innovative technology within the automotive industry though, and is making great strides toward the future.Mercedes-Benzs For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 08, 2016

Lewis Hamilton Helps Debut Cigarette Racing 50 Marauder A...

This year's F1 race in Monaco brought out the spectators and the brands you'd expect, with Mercedes-AMG leading the way. Lewis Hamilton was met with a frenzy of fans and photographers before boarding the Cigarette Racing 50 Marauder AMG Monaco Concept, which was revealed at the race. Hamilton and fellow Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team member, Nico Rosberg, hit the waters to put their non-track driving to the test.(Related: New Mercedes-AMG GT3 Cigarette Boat Revealed)Combing Mercedes race concepts with nautical know-how, Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette racing combined forces to create the ultimate speed boat. The bullet-like race boat is fitted with twin Mercury Racing 1550 engines. The exterior was designed by a Mercedes-AMG design team while the nautical experts handled the power of the vessel.Check out more photos of the Cigarette Racing 50 Marauder AMG Monaco Concept below.

By Edward Jones – June 03, 2016

Revealed: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 and C63 S Cabriolet, Spec...

The main story here is that Mercedes-AMG is putting out a convertible with a biturbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, available in two output ratings: the 2016 Mercedes-AMG C63 and C63 S. With these cars, that makes for a total of twelve different C-Class versions, including the Saloon, Estate, Coupé and Cabriolet. Details on both Cabriolet models were unveiled in a press release issued today."The C-Class is a decisive factor in our company's success. The new combination of intensive open-air ambience and powerful V8 engine is unique in the segment and perfectly supplements our large C-Class range", said Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, in the press release.(Related: New 2017 Mercedes-AMG GT R Spied Testing, With Engine Sound)Now, time to get back to that previously mentioned engine, the reason why we're all here. Mercedes notes that the C63 Cab is the only car in its segment that offers an "8-cylinder biturbo engine." And what an engine it is. For the "S" version, power is rated at 510 hp at 5500-6250 rpm and 516 lb-ft of torque at 1750-4500 rpm, while the base C63 sits at 476 hp at 5500-6250 rpm and 479 lb-ft at 1750-4500 rpm. That's decent torque at low revs, I will say. As for performance, Mercedes says the C63 S will run 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, with the base model coming in just .1 second slower.Mercedes has also included a litany of options for customers to choose from. You can check these all out by clicking that little "plus" button below. AMG Performance exhaust system with flap control at the push of a button Greater differentiation of the tonal characteristics through two additional exhaust flaps Tonal characteristics dependent on selected transmission mode – clear differentiation between full in the C and S modes and distinctly sporty in the S+ and RACE modes Additional control of the tonal characteristics via button on the centre control panel in the centre console AMG ceramic high-performance compound braking system with compound brake discs measuring 402 x 39 mm at the front and integral brake discs measuring 360 x 26 mm at the rear as well as specially painted brake callipers with "AMG Carbon Ceramic" lettering AMG Night package: Silver chrome louvre in the radiator grille High-gloss black A-wing of the front bumper and A-wing trim strip Side sill panel inserts in high-gloss black Rear bumper trim strip in high-gloss black Exterior mirror housings in high-gloss black Sports exhaust system with two chrome-plated twin tailpipe tip AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package I: Silver chrome louvre in the radiator grille A-wing of the front bumper in carbon Side sill panel inserts in carbon Upper trim panel of rear bumper in carbon AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package II: Exterior mirror housings in carbon Spoiler lip in carbon AMG interior: AMG Performance seats for driver and front passenger with more heavily contoured seat shape for enhanced lateral support, integral head restraints and "AMG" badge in the seat backrests Two-tone nappa leather red pepper/black or platinum white/black, perforated Carbon-fibre/light aluminium trim with longitudinal grain Matt silver glass fibre/aluminium with bright longitudinal grain trim Pricing for both cars hasn't been unveiled yet, but that will come shortly. In the meantime, enjoy the pics below and get ready for one of the finset open-top rides out there.C63s For Sale

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