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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 – December 11, 2019

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 is Stylish & Efficient

Compact crossovers don't have to be boring. That's why our friends at Mercedes-Benz demanded more from their A-Class SUV. Their solution was to add power, catchy lines, and incredible suspension. And that is why the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 is stylish and efficient. A shear plate stiffens the suspension, and an 8-speed dual-clutch sends power to all wheels. A 2.0-liter engine is bolted to a twin-scroll turbo, to make 302 horsepower. The real treat is 295 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. Browse All Mercedes-Benz GLA For Sale Is it deserving on an AMG badge, you tell us. Click on the button above to find a GLA near you, and stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG updates. " width="680"> Related: 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Price & Specs Revealed

By Andrew Nabors – September 25, 2019

Aston Martin DBX Arrives in December

Watching the evolution of luxury SUVs is like high-stakes poker. The players are well known, but uncovering your opponent's strategy can make or break your profitability. Thankfully, Aston Martin has an Ace up their sleeve, in the form of the Mercedes-AMG V8. In a press release this morning we learned that the Aston Martin DBX will arrive in December with unprecedented performance. Browse Aston Martin For Sale Relentless testing at the 'Ring has allowed it to perform consistent laps under 8 minutes. This is possible because the DBX has endured more real-world testing than any Aston Martin. Once the suspension was sorted out, they realized it could handle more power. Turning up the boost, it will arrive with 550 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Not only does this make it their most powerful V8 in the lineup, but it will also raise the bar for others to follow. Click the button above to find a dealer near you, and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. " width="680"> Related: Aston Martin Builds 1st Cars From New Plant

By Andrew Nabors – June 21, 2019

2020 Mercedes-Benz New Model Launch Schedule

Do you ever wonder why your Mercedes-Benz dealership is so large? Its because they build more models and variants than any other automaker. When I was your age, AMG was two former Mercedes-Benz engineers who built race motors. Now there are up to three levels of AMG performance. To help clear up the confusion, their latest press release included the 2020 Mercedes-Benz new model launch schedule. Recent and Upcoming 2020 Model Year Launches (subject to change) GLE 350 4MATIC / GLE 450 4MATIC (all-new) Launched Spring 2019 GLE 350 (all-new) Summer 2019 AMG GT Coupe and Roadster (redesign) Summer 2019 AMG GT C Coupe and Roadster (redesign) Summer 2019 AMG GT R Coupe (redesign) Summer 2019 AMG GT R Roadster (all-new) Fall 2019 AMG GT R PRO (all-new) Late 2019 GLE 580 4MATIC (all-new) Late 2019 GLS 450 4MATIC / GLS 580 4MATIC (all-new) Late 2019 GLC 300 / GLC 300 4MATIC SUV & Coupe (redesign) Late 2019 AMG GLC 63 SUV & Coupe (redesign) Late 2019 CLA 250 / CLA 250 4MATIC (all-new) Late 2019 AMG CLA 35 (all-new) Late 2019 AMG CLA 45 (all-new) Late 2019 GLB 250 / GLB 350 4MATIC (all-new) Late 2019 EQC 400 4MATIC (all-new) 2020 AMG A 35 Sedan (all-new) 2020 This is exciting news, so tell us which one you anticipate the most, and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz & AMG news.

Die neuen Uhrenmodelle in der Mercedes-Benz Collection 2019/2020: Die Mercedes-Benz Designphilosophie am HandgelenkThe new models in the Mercedes-Benz wristwatch Collection 2019/2020: Mercedes-Benz Design philosophy on the wrist

By Andrew Nabors – May 28, 2019

Mercedes-Benz Wristwatch Collection 2020

We are almost two decades into the 21st century. So why is your watch not keeping up with the times? If you need a new timepiece, we present you the Mercedes-Benz Wristwatch Collection 2020. This year's design philosophy is "Sensual Purity", through the synthesis of functionality and emotion. First up is the Sport Fashion M3 Chronograph watch for men. It has a black anodized stainless housing with PVD coating. The mineral crystal is anti-reflective on both sides and all three hands are coated in Super-LumiNova. This allows them to easily be seen in the dark. For the ladies, the Women's Sport Fashion M3 wristwatch also has a stainless housing. It is PVD coated in rosé-gold. It has Swarovski crystals on the hour and the Mercedes star at 12:00. It also makes use of the same luminescent coating and anti-reflective coating as the Men's version. The most exquisite member of the collection is the new Automatic Chronograph watch for men. It combines black carbon fiber with steel colored indices. It has a superimposed bezel with blue highlights in the top right corner, and the Mercedes star at 3 o'clock. The back has another sapphire allowing the movement to be seen. The internals are Swiss ETA 7750, and the externals are a leather strap with a folding clasp. It would be nice to see an AMG watch, but it is too fast for time. If you are interested, click the link below to find great deals on the new G Wagen and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz updates. Browse Mercedes G550 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 17, 2019

2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe & SUV Revealed

Although it might cause a few laughs, you can show up to the next track day with groceries and baby seats. That's because you are looking at the fastest crossover to ever lap the 'Ring. The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe & SUV have revealed a fresh styling. Not just a stunning design, it was clocked at 7.49.369 on the Nordschleife. Tobias Moers is the Chaiman of AMG, and he had this to say: "The lap record on the North Loop has proven to impressive effect that the GLC 63 is right at the top of its segment in terms of vehicle dynamics. With our V8 biturbo, we hold a decisive USP in the competitive environment. With AMG DYNAMICS we were able to hone the vehicle dynamics even more and also further increase the suitability for everyday use and the connectivity with MBUX. This makes the GLC 63 an all-rounder for every occasion." GLC 63 S SUV The major updates are to the headlights and taillights, along with 21" wheels. Inside you will find the ubiquitous AMG steering wheel. It has touch pads for easy control of all systems. Under the hood, the GLC 63 S offers 503 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. You will be floating at 174 mph thanks to the latest AMG Ride Control. It actively controls the air suspension and the electronic differentials. As before, the SUV has a traditional square roof while the Coupe has a fastback design. Both are just as potent, so it might be a difficult choice. Click the link below to find one near you and stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG news. Browse Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 For Sale GLC 63 S Coupe Related: Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro Track Review by Carfection Modded Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Hits 199 mph on the Autobahn

Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Limousine // Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC S

By Andrew Nabors – March 27, 2019

Mercedes-AMG Unveils the A35 Sedan

If you are looking for the perfect small & sporty sedan, allow us to introduce you to your next car. Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the A35 sedan. In all honesty, I didn't believe the AMG badge should be seen on the A-Class. The CLA45 changed perceptions of what a four-cylinder is capable of, so their latest creation has me considering a new daily driver. Announced in a press release last night, Mercedes-AMG's entry-level model arrives with 302 horsepower and All Wheel Drive. Riding on a 107.4" wheelbase, there is ample room for four adults. Rear headroom is also best in class, at 37.4". The driver is faced with a completely digital display that changes with each driving mode. Another first for the A-Class is AMG Track Pace. It records telemetry to make you a better driver. With 295 lb-ft of torque at all wheels, 60 mph arrives in only 4.7 seconds. Lastly, because of the AMG badge, it will hold its value long after it's paid off. For all the details, click the link below to find our dealer near you. Shop Mercedes-AMG A Class

By Andrew Nabors – March 20, 2019

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is Sleek & Stylish

It has been a few years since the GLC series was introduced, so it has been treated to a snazzy facelift. Once again, Mercedes-Benz has produced a fastback 4-door and called it a coupe. They use the coupe designation not only for 2-door models, it also designates a 4-door with window frames. In contrast to the GLC SUV, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is sleek & stylish. If you need more space, the 2019 GLC SUV was the first to receive the new lines. It has a traditional SUV roof instead of the fastback so you might have a tough decision on your hands. Both versions will be produced at the Bremen plant, while their GLE cousins are built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We would like to end the confusion about these four models. The larger GLE coupe and SUV are based on the E-Class, and the compact GLC models are based on the C-Class. Each one has its own merits, so click the link below to find one near you. Shop Mercedes GLC Shop Mercedes GLE Related: Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Sedan Sounds Ready to Race! Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster Unveiled!

By Andrew Nabors – March 04, 2019

Mercedes-AMG S65 Final Edition to Be Unveiled in Geneva

We noticed a small and sad paragraph in Daimler's preview of the Geneva Motor Show. Last week we broke the sad news, announcing the retirement of an old friend. A press release last night gave us the details of the Mercedes-AMG S65 Final Edition as it was unveiled in Geneva. Limited to 130 examples for the world, each S65 Final Edition arrives in Obsidian Black Metallic. Bespoke AMG badges on the C-pillar easily set it apart. Inside you are treated to black Nappa leather with copper contrast stitching. A dash badge identifies it as 1 of 130, along with an AMG Edition steering wheel. Mercedes-AMG S65 Final Edition S65 Heading to Geneva All options are included so you will have everything from Magic Sky Control to the Warmth & Comfort Package for the Executive rear seats. The AMG Driver's package is also onboard, unlocking the speed limiter so you can cruise at 186 mph. Click the link below before its too late, and stay with us for all your Geneva news. Shop Mercedes-AMG S65 " width="680"> Related: Brabus 900 Mercedes-Maybach S650 Heading to Geneva Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster Unveiled

By Andrew Nabors – February 04, 2019

duPont REGISTRY February 2019 CoverShot: Mercedes-AMG GT ...

The last four years have seen unprecedented competition in the market for sports cars. Mercedes-AMG have never been content to let their lineup get stale, so they have unveiled a hot new version of the AMG GT. Taking influences from their GT3 racing program, the new AMG GT R Pro blurs the line between race and street. A new stability system known as AMG Dynamics allows for more cornering grip and faster response to changing conditions. Three modes are available across all versions of the AMG GT. Basic mode covers slippery and comfort situations. Advanced is aimed at winding roads allowing for more spirited driving. Pro mode is only available in Sport +, and it is intended for drivers who want to be on the edge. Master mode is only offered on the GT C and GT R, and it can only be accessed in Race mode. Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro Details Price: Contact Our Dealers Here Engine: 4.0L Twin Turbo V8 Transmission: Seven Speed Dual Clutch Automatic Horsepower: 585 hp Torque: 516 lb-ft 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds Top Speed: 197 mph Those distinct settings wouldn’t be worth much without a more capable car. The new AMG GT R Pro is a result of lessons learned in GT3 and GT4 racing. It starts with new coil-over suspension at all corners. Compression and rebound are easily adjusted by dials on each shock. The former has individual responses based on speed. Both sway bars are adjustable, and the front is made of carbon fiber. All control arms have ball joints instead of bushings because nobody like mushy responses when cornering. buy this issue now A new carbon fiber panel under the rear suspension serves to maintain consistent geometry and precision. Unfortunately, the computer-controlled hydraulic motor mounts remain an unnecessary luxury. Additional carbon fiber reinforcements are hidden from view, but the new aerodynamic parts are stunning. A lower front splitter along with fender vents creates more downforce. The rear spoiler has gained a Gurney flap, because Dan Gurney is a genius. It allowed AMG driver Maro Engel to lap the ‘Ring in 7.04.632, elevating the AMG GT R Pro to become the fastest street legal AMG to-date. Shop All Mercedes-AMG GT " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – January 07, 2019

Mercedes-Benz Teases Their 2020 CLA

Five years ago Mercedes-Benz shocked the US. They took the styling of the CLS and cut it down into an attractive compact sedan. The CLA-Class made big waves with a starting price of $29,900, and the factories strained to keep up with the massive demand. We hope the new price is just as appealing, because Mercede-Benz have teased the 2020 CLA on their Facebook page 2019 Brabus A-Class is a Compact Sledgehammer Sedan Now it's time for an encore performance. The 2nd Generation Mercedes-Benz CLA will be formally unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas tomorrow. We hope their turbocharged four-cylinder engine is available without the AMG package because our friends at BRABUS already know its secrets. Tell us what you would like to see in the new CLA in the comments below and stay with us for all the details. View All Mercedes-Benz CLA For Sale https://www.facebook.com/MercedesBenz/videos/311243049599145/

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