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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

A row of modern high-rise buildings with golden lighting at sunset, palm trees in the foreground, and a city skyline featuring Burj Khalifa in the background, near the world's first Mercedes-Benz branded city to come up in Dubai.

By Khris Bharath – December 16, 2025

World’s first Mercedes-Benz branded city By Binghatti to ...

It appears that Mercedes-Benz is no longer content with shaping the way you drive. Now the three-pointed star also wants to shape the way you live. Earlier today, a new luxury real-estate project was announced: the first Mercedes-Benz-branded city, being developed with Dubai-based Binghatti, one of the United Arab Emirates’ (U.A.E.) top developers. Known as Mercedes-Benz Places | Binghatti City, the project is planned for the Meydan district. Set against the spectacular skyline of Dubai, it will take shape as a multi-tower development, spanning roughly 9 million square feet. Now, unlike most branded towers, this project aims to function as a true “city within a city.” The masterplan brings together luxury residences with retail boulevards, cultural and leisure areas, parks, green corridors, wellness and sports zones, dining destinations, and entertainment venues in close proximity to each other. The goal is that daily needs must sit within walking distance, all tied in with intelligent mobility solutions. Futurists from the German marque have envisioned what cities of the future could look like, and this project fits that narrative. For Mercedes-Benz, this project in Dubai also marks a clear evolution of its branded real-estate strategy as part of its global roll‑out of Mercedes‑Benz Places. The company first entered this space with a 65-story residential tower in Downtown Dubai, also being developed with Binghatti. It then expanded to the United States with a project in Miami, developed alongside JDS Development Group, where construction is also in progress, and residences are already on the market. Binghatti City pushes the concept further, into a connected district that translates brand values into urban planning, which are rooted in Mercedes-Benz’s design language of “Sensual Purity.” The philosophy, familiar to us from the brand’s automotive portfolio, emphasizes clean surfaces, visual restraint, and sculptural form. Creating extraordinary experiences for our customers is at the core of who we are. With our next branded real estate project, ‘Mercedes-Benz Places – Binghatti City’ in Dubai, we are taking this promise to a new level – shaping destinations where our brand becomes something you can truly call home. - Mathias Geisen, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Mathias Geisen and Muhammad Binghatti sign the contract for the joint project "Mercedes-Benz Places | Binghatti City" For Binghatti, the development carries equal weight. It represents the company’s first masterplanned community, a step beyond standalone towers, expanding into large-scale urban ecosystems. To partner once again with Mercedes‑Benz is a testament to our shared philosophy of excellence, precision, and timeless design. ‘Mercedes‑Benz Places – Binghatti City’ is envisioned as a world-class urban experience, a place where luxury and innovation converge to create a complete city within a city. This masterplan will become one of Dubai’s most distinguished destinations and a true symbol of elevated living. - Muhammad BinGhatti, Chairman, Binghatti Developers. Brand equity continues to reshape luxury real estate. Miami established the automotive blueprint with residential towers from Porsche, Bentley, and Aston Martin. In a category-defining move, duPont Registry Group partnered with Fortune International on a tower designed by Pininfarina exclusively for car collectors. Watchmakers like Audemars Piguet have expanded into hospitality with a luxury hotel in Switzerland. Dubai now ranks second only to Miami in the number of branded residences currently under development. Bugatti has a branded residential tower underway in Business Bay, while aftermarket automotive brands like Mansory and Brabus also announced projects earlier this year. Beyond automotive, the Trump Organization has re-entered the market with an 80-story tower and hotel unveiled by Eric Trump, featuring a planned $1 billion investment and the world’s highest outdoor pool. Jacob & Co. has a 103-storey tower under construction. The watchamer also announced a beachfront development between Dubai and Abu Dhabi back in May. Wynn Resorts is developing the region’s first casino in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, while Nakheel has revived Palm Jebel Ali, expanding the blueprint for what luxury living in the region now looks like. View All New and Pre-Owned Real Estate For Sale Images: Mercedes-Benz, Binghatti

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 15, 2023

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By Alyssa Mammano – February 12, 2021

Sylvester Stallone Lists Massive Beverly Hills Mansion fo...

Sylvester Stallone is jumping into the real estate ring with one of the most expensive homes to be listed as of late. His massive 21,000-square-foot mansion lies in the heart of Beverly Hills and was listed in late January for $110 million. Tucked away in a cul-de-sac at the end of a long, private drive, Stallone's former abode sits on a sprawling 3.5 acres in the North Beverly Park private enclave. Listed exclusively with Hilton & Hyland, the commanding Contemporary Mediterranean boasts eight bedrooms and twelve bathrooms, including a Richard Landry-designed guest house. In addition, a professional theater, gym, cigar room with air-filtration and a bar round out the design. Outside, unmatched views of Rodeo Drive and beyond are enhanced with a putting green and unrivaled landscaping. Stallone reportedly purchased the property in the late 90s and upon the plat built the 21,000-square-foot estate. The priciest pad ever paid for in Beverly Park is $40 million, so Stallone's $110 million asking price is quite an increase. View Listing Photography via Realtor.com/Hilton & Hyland

By Alyssa Mammano – December 11, 2020

Trophy Home Built by Wilt Chamberlain Listed for $15 Million

As Wilt Chamberlain and his architect, David Tenneson Rich, stood at the site of a former Cold War missile launch in a secluded hilltop lot, Rich drew a square, a circle and a triangle in the dirt. He asked Wilt, "Which one feels right to you?" Wilt stepped inside the triangle and immediately felt comfortable, so the story goes. And so, a triangle trophy home that would come to be known Ursa Major was constructed. The angled home built of concrete, steel and stone is surrounded by water elements and stretches 40 feet tall in its great room. The entrance parallels the grand scale and geometric shape with a 14-foot-tall, one-ton triangular front door. Its Brutalism style architecture takes inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright and the world travels of Lakers legend, Wilt Chamberlain. The Ursa Major moniker hails from Chamberlain, himself, who is nicknamed the Big Dipper because the seven-foot-one center has to dip his head when he walks through average-height doorways. He wanted the home to feel comfortable for friends of all heights. Even with its grand scale, the home's Redwood touches, wood-burning fireplace and sunken living room make it feel warm and inviting. The estate boasts six bedrooms, eight bathrooms and a total 9,395 square feet of living space. It has had multiple owners since its construction in the early 1970s, and has undergone several renovations. Set on 2.5 acres, there are also two motor courts that can accommodate up to ten vehicles. The expansive pool's immense size would no longer be able to be built under today's current codes. Ursa Major is a mansion that defies comparison and cannot be duplicated. 15216 Antelo Place in Bel Air is listed with Drew Fenton of Hilton & Hyland for $14.9 million. View Listing Photography via Hilton & Hyland and Realtor.com

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