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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 Tyler Rampersaud – July 13, 2023

Bulletproof Maybach Listed For Sale

This stunning sedan combines luxury, security, and style at the highest.

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 28, 2023

The Mercedes-AMG S-Class Gets New MANUFAKTUR Options

Mercedes-Benz makes its iconic sedan even more luxurious.

By Andrew Nabors – September 21, 2020

2021 Mercedes Benz S-Class In Action

This is the one we've been waiting on. The 7th generation of their flagship sedan is about to arrive with unprecedented safety and comfort. That is why we love to watch the 2021 Mercedes Benz S-Class in action. Starting with safety, the active LED headlights point out obstacles to keep you focused on the road ahead. Should the car sense your inattention, the ambient LED interior flashes bright red. Lewis Hamilton and Alicia Keys Team Up for 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Campaign Of comfort, the car seems as quiet as a library on the Autobahn. All occupants can enjoy their own content from MBUX while the 18-wat seats keep them coddled. The audio system is "4d" thanks to subwoofers mounted inside the frame, and a choice of engine will include a thrifty turbocharged straight-six. The real news is the first electric S-Class, and the EQS will be unveiled soon. As someone with fused vertebrae, the head pillows alone are worth it, so click the button to find your S-Class from our dealers. Browse S-Class For Sale " width="680">

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.

By Andrew Nabors – August 14, 2020

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Interior Details Revealed

Nothing is unattainable for the company that invented the automobile. Pulling out all the stops, the upcoming flagship will be your "Personal Welfare Oasis". That is why we are happy that the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class interior details have been revealed. Starting with the most obvious, the cabin takes inspiration from classic wood yachts. If you don't care about all the wood, there is room for five touch screens. Energizing Comfort Control tracks your well-being, and it can sense when you need relaxation or "invigoration" to keep you aware. The massaging seat rollers are closer to the leather for more relaxation, and the head pillow is now heated. All interior lighting is 10 times brighter thanks to the latest LED technology. Capable of any color, the ambiance can easily be seen in broad daylight. All seats carry the AGR seal of the healthy spine campaign, and they have speakers integrated for immersive 3D surround sound. The press release is a dozen pages, so we hope this will entice you to learn more. Browse Mercedes-Benz S-Class For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 08, 2020

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MBUX System Preview

In this week's installment of Meet The S-Class, we are introduced to the new MBUX infotainment system. It incorporates communication and personalization changes from the driver to the rear occupants, and a slew of unique abilities. Undoubtedly this will trickle down through the E-Class and the C-Class, so we want you to be ready for the future. Our dealers have all the info and they are willing to explain all the upcoming features. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your S-Class updates. Browse Mercedes-Benz S-Class For Sale

Image_12831-1-11-S01-S-Klasse-My-MBUX-KV-me-media-3600x2250

By Andrew Nabors – July 06, 2020

New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Preview Video Series

We are on the verge of something new. Mercedes-Benz is changing the way cars are unveiled, starting with their flagship sedan. In the first episode of "Meet The S-Class, Markus Schafer introduces us to the upcoming S-Class Plug-In Hybrid. With an electric range of 62 miles, it will arrive with the latest in automotive artificial intelligence. The driver's HUD is now an augmented reality system, showing turns and potential obstacles in 3D. In the coming weeks, this series will serve to build anticipation by explaining the revolutionary details on their dedicated site. Our dealers have all the details, so click the link below and stay with us for all your S-Class updates. Browse Mercedes-Benz S-Class For Sale

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 Edward Jones – March 07, 2018

2018 BRABUS 800 Coupe: An S63 Taken to the Limit

The Mercedes-AMG S63 4MATIC+ is already a formidable car on its own, but that doesn't mean BRABUS won't take it and turn it into a supercar. Enter the new 2018 BRABUS 800 Coupe, a new vehicle based on the S63 4MATIC+. Thanks to the BRABUS 800 performante upgrade, the new 800 Coupe's biturbo four-liter V8 to push out 800 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. With the all-wheel-drive system, this German supercar will run 0 to 62 mph in just 3.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 186 mph (electronically limited). Visual touches added to the car include new naked carbon fiber aerodynamic upgrades, 21- or 22-inch forged wheels and an exclusive leather interior. Mercedes-AMG Unveils GT 4-Door Coupe In Geneva BRABUS is allowing customers to order the 800 as either this coupe, a sedan or wagon. They can also convert any current E 63 4MATIC+ to this level at once or in stages.

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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