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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 – March 12, 2021

2022 Mercedes-AMG SL Begins Winter Testing

An old friend is making a comeback. The 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL has begun winter testing nearly 70 years after it arrived in the U.S. This teaser hit our inbox this morning like a ton of bricks. Moving upmarket, the SL has traded in Mercedes-Benz branding to become exclusively the product of Mercedes-AMG. Staying true to other aspects, they mention SL still stands for Super Light. Development on this new flagship began in the digital realm, and now its being flogged near the Arctic Circle. Of course, the finishing touches will be made on the 'Ring. The roadster will be fun, but let's hope there is a new Gullwing in the works also. Stay with us for all your AMG updates. Shop Mercedes-Benz SL Images (C) Daimler A.G.

By Andrew Nabors – March 03, 2021

Sir Lewis Hamilton's 2021 Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performan...

Brackley Technical Centre is the new home of the AMG Petronas F1 team, and they are ready for the championship. Public testing is only days away in Bahrain, so sir Lewis Hamilton's 2021 Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance has been unveiled. Next year will see an all-new aero package from the FIA, but that is no reason for them to rest on their laurels. Burning the midnight oil, engineers met this year's downforce changes without approaching the team's cost cap. The Mercedes-Benz star has been replaced by the AMG logo, accented by burgundy from their Principal Partner INEOS. Most major parts are carried over from the W11 car, with new adaptations to meet this year's rulebook. Changes were mandated to the floorpans, brake inlets, and diffuser to slow down all teams. Therefore, the W12 incorporates advancements to the engine, cooling system, and other critical areas. Of course, they are playing these cards close to the chest, so it will make for an entertaining season to say the least. We hope Sir Lewis can find some time to finish development on the AMG ONE, so stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG news. Images (C) Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Limited

By Andrew Nabors – February 02, 2021

Mercedes-AMG GT3 Takes Top Honors At Daytona

Over the weekend we watched the 59th running of the Rolex 24. Considered to be one of the most brutal endurance races on the IMSA schedule, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 took top honors at Daytona. This year was a bit strange, with 5 classes running in the same event. The GTLM (GT LeMans) is home to incredible power and aerodynamics, but the cars are very far from production models. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 is sold to the public, and it is their last car to offer the legendary 6.3-liter V8. This indestructible juggernaut was also under the hood of Mr. duPont's SLS AMG Roadster, and it never failed to take my breath away. Needless to say, cars 57 and 75 finished 1-2 on Sunday afternoon. You can experience the same engineering and aerodynamics in the new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, so click the button for all the details. Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale Images (C) Daimler A.G.

By Andrew Nabors – January 11, 2021

Fast Financials 2020 Q4: Mercedes-AMG Achieved Record Growth

Luxury brands seemed to take a hit last year, but in our latest Fast Financials, we see that Mercedes-AMG achieved record growth. Despite all the adversity faced in 2020, Mercedes-Benz USA only saw a drop of 8.9% in combined sales of commercial and passenger vehicles. The shining star in the portfolio was the unprecedented growth of their high-performance brand. Our friends at TradingView offer this real-time tracker for their parent-company Daimler. Daimler Chart by TradingView In the final quarter, the Mercedes-AMG brand moved 11,128 units, a YTD increase of 29.1%. In total, they delivered 34,079 powerful examples of German engineering, their best year so far. Non-AMG sales were led by the GL-Class SUVs. The GLA and GLB accounted for over 25% of SUV sales, led by the front-runner GLC followed by 2nd place GLE. Production of the new S-Class for sale is just ramping up, so stay tuned for a strong year from our dealers. Click the button below to find one near you. Browse Mercedes-Benz For Sale " width="680"> Image (C) Mercedes-Benz USA

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 – September 03, 2020

2021 Mercedes-Benz SL Testing Previews an Amazing Roadster

When you ask someone to imagine the most prolific German Roadster of all time, you know what they will describe. Since it arrived in 1952, engineers have rarely allowed the public behind the scenes to see their upcoming work. Time are changing, and they want the world to see what goes into building a flagship for their brand. That is why 2021 Mercedes-Benz testing has previewed an amazing Roadster. Staying true to form, we can spot the retractable hardtop under the camo. 2018 Mercedes SL65 Specs, Price, Photos & Review The 4-liter twin-turbo will undoubtedly be a key player, and their 48-volt EQ boost will offer great mileage. Even the current generation SL is a great car, as it constantly monitors for collision avoidance in all directions. A press car I was driving noticed a crash ahead of the car I was following, so it changed lanes to avoid the inevitable. Click the button below to find yours. Browse Mercedes-Benz SL For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 02, 2020

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Combines Emotional Health With...

This was inevitable, and we're happy that Mercedes-Benz did it first. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class combines emotional health with practicality. This car is all-new, and it is the first to integrate several sensors to monitor your stress level and adjust every system accordingly. While technology like heart-rate monitors and thermometers are not new, this is the first time a car learns what makes you happy and relaxed. Get in after a workout and the Energizing Comfort system has the interior awash in bright red with heavy metal playing. Or relax to instrumental jazz after a stressful day thanks to Energizing Coach. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience operates on a network of computers and sensors that communicate at 41,790 Mbps! From the seat massaging patterns to the A/C vents aim and pressure, this car predicts what it takes to make you smile. Here are the main points that set this car ahead of every other full-size sedan. The front seats have 19 motors (8 for adjustments, 4 for massage and 5 for ventilation, one for the lumbar support and one to move the monitor when in reverse). They offer 10 distinct massage patterns from mild to wild, and the rolling hot stones will still be my favorite. On the practical side, the HUD viewing area is now 77" (diagonal). Now with rear-steering, the turning circle has been reduced by 6.2 feet. Trunk space is up to 19 cubic feet, wider and deeper than before. Even though the car is wider, drag has been reduced to 0.22, placing it among the wold's most aerodynamic cars, and cutting wind noise by an order of magnitude. " width="680"> When the radar senses a side impact is inevitable, the 3-chamber air suspension instantly raises the car 3" in a tenth of a second. This hop allows the car to take a hit at a better angle, spreading the impact force around the passengers instead of through them. Even with more airbags, you will have 1.5" more elbow room and more headroom all around. Browse Mercedes-Benz S-Class For Sale Audio comes from 30 Burmester speakers. Also onboard are 8 bass resonators (subwoofers) built into the chassis to transmit low range sound at the perfect angles to your ears. Ambient LEDs are hidden in every trim panel, and the A/C system has 17 servos to put air where its needed. Both engines offer a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The new 3-liter straight-six engine offers 450 combined horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque while the revised 4-liter V8 makes 517 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque thanks to the EQ Boost. Wait till BRABUS gets ahold of it! The amount of innovation found in this car would require hundreds of pages to describe, so our dealers are happy to tell you more. Click the button above to find one near you and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz news.

eSprinter Roadshow, 2019eSprinter Roadshow, 2019

By Andrew Nabors – August 31, 2020

Amazon Orders 1,800 Mercedes-Benz Electric Vans

With the amount of mileage Amazon drivers are racking up, it makes perfect sense to transition away from fuel. In a move that literally shocked their competition, Amazon has placed an order for 1,800 electric Mercedes-Benz vans. Mr. Bezos and company plan to be carbon neutral in 20 years, and this will undoubtedly force other delivery services to follow suit. Reported by Forbes over the weekend, the order consists of 1,200 eSprinters along with 600 of the smaller eVito vans. Because their fulfillment centers use a hub & spoke model in most areas, fully-charged vans could be loaded and ready when drivers return from their routes. This order is for European deliveries, as it follows on the heels of ordering 100,000 electric vans from Rivian back in February. Amazon has invested $700m into Rivian,who also had a $500m cash injection from Ford last year. Congrats to Amazon on leading the way, and for Mercedes-Benz for stepping up to the challenge. Stay with us for all your EV news. Browse Mercedes Sprinter For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – August 28, 2020

2021 Mercedes-Benz Updates

The next model year will see nice updates from the company that invented the automobile. From the modest GLA to the meanest AMG, here are the 2021 Mercedes-Benz updates. Starting off with their smallest SUV, the GLA Class is all new. If you need incredible power the AMG GLE 63 S has received refinements to the infotainment and climate control while offering 577 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS is their first SUV, taking direct aim at the Bentayga and Cullinan. It sends 571 horsepower and 722 lb-ft of torque to all wheels thanks to a hybrid EQ boost system. Every variant of the E-Class is all-new, and we will receive the E-Class All-Terrain here in the U.S. Speaking of a Homefield advantage, every example of the GLS and GLE (even the Maybach) will be built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. If you need a sporty SUV, AMG is introducing the GLA 35 and GLB 35. And as a refresher from yesterday, the AMG GT 63 S will be returning to the 'Ring for a new 4-door lap record. Click the button below to find a dealer near you for all the 2021 Mercedes-Benz updates. Browse Mercedes-Benz For Sale " width="680">

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