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

Bentley News

Bentley news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated as each story breaks, covering the Continental GT, the Bentayga, the Flying Spur and Mulliner's bespoke commissions. Our reporting takes in model reveals, first drives and the auction results that establish what these cars are worth. Bentley Motors news tends to move slowly and matter for years, so we follow how values hold across a generation. This is where the marketplace becomes useful. Many of the Bentleys covered here are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, placing the reporting and a genuine asking price side by side. For Bentley news today, and the luxury car market news that surrounds it, begin below.

By Andrew Nabors – February 17, 2017

Bentley Bentayga is Snow Fun at Pirelli Winter Experience

Switzerland has been a neutral nation since 1815. Since they refuse to take part in armed conflicts, it makes for a perfect testing ground for powerful weapons. It also allows for a neutral meeting between Perelli's German plant workers and the Italian-based corporate chiefs. As part of Pirelli's Winter Experience, a Golf Course near St. Moritz is the setting for evaluating winter versions of the Scorpion and Sottozero tires. While they could have chosen a more plebeian SUV for snow drifts, a new Bentley Bentayga was caught sending 600 horsepower to each tire. The 6.0-liter W12 engine uses twin turbos to produce 664 lb-ft of torque, which is why it needs the best rubber in the world. One lucky participant was YouTube sensation NM2255, who got behind the wheel to punish the snow. Winter Rubber On Displayif you need to keep track of lap times, the optional dash clock is only $160,000. The Bentayga is not inexpensive, but it is well qualified to be here. It arrives from the factory wearing 275/50/20 Pirelli tires; which is what you need if you are two passengers shy of a 3-ton curb weight. We were hoping to see a Lamborghini Urus, but maybe next year. Tell us what you run for winter tires and stay with us for more Bentayga tomfoolery.

By Edward Jones – February 10, 2017

Smell Like a Bentley (Not Really) With New Fragrance

Bentley announced today their brand-new fragrance called Momentum. The English automaker notes that "Bentley Momentum meets the same exacting standards as Bentley cars." The fragrance was created by Nathalie Lorson, a renowned master perfumer.(2018 Bentley Continental Supersports Confirmed)In Bentley's press release for the new fragrance, they went really in-depth when it comes to how it smells: "As the fragrance opens, a splash of aquatic notes energises sparkling bergamot and cool green violet. In contrast to this refreshing style, clary sage adds herbaceous, aromatic accents, hinting at the sensuous warmth that unfolds in the heart notes. Gaining momentum, the scent segues into a strikingly modern accord of ambergris and cashmere wood, evoking clean, sun-warmed skin and polished wood. The dry-down reveals a deep, burnished blend of smooth sandalwood and dusky tonka bean, in a sensuous trail of musk and moss."Can't say I've ever had a fragrance "gain momentum" on myself.Bentley Momentum comes in two different intensities: Bentley Momentum Eau de Toilette and Bentley Momentum Intense Eau de Parfum. As far as prices go, it lays out like this: Bentley Momentum EDT, 100 ml; Euro 82.00; £59.00 (~$87) Bentley Momentum Intense EDP, 100 ml; Euro 89.00; £69.50 (~$94) Bentley Momentum Intense EDP, 60 ml; Euro 68.00; £49.00 (~$72) Bentley Momentum Hair and Body Shampoo, 200 ml; Euro 27.00; £24.00 (~$28) Bentley For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 02, 2017

See How Quickly the Bentley Bentayga SUV Can Accelerate t...

When the Bentayga was first released, Bentley regarded it as the fastest and most powerful SUV in the world. It's powered b an all-new twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine that can produce 600 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque. Yes, that's that kind of stuff needed in order to become a powerful SUV, unless you're a Tesla Model X and don't need gas for power. But, being such a heavy car, how does this power translate in terms of acceleration? According to Bentley, it can jump from 0-60 mph in just 4.0 seconds.But is that acceleration stat true? YouTuber jorrie2 decided to hop in the passenger seat of a Bentayga and film the SUV's gauges as it rocketed all the way up to around 124 mph (199 kmh). It's quite insane to see such a large vehicle accelerate so quick, and do so in pure English style. Check it out below and see what Bentley Bentaygas we have listed on duPontREGISTRY.com.Bentley Bentayga For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 18, 2016

Bentley Bentayga's Headlight Washing System is the Coolest

The front of vehicles can get pretty darn dirty, especially of the vehicle is an SUV that can handle dirty roads. Take the Bentley Bentayga for example. This SUV is regarded as one of the fastest of its kind and was built to withstand a beating off of the road. Granted, most owners of the Bentayga would never think about taking it off road.That being said, the Bentayga can get dirty even if it's just driving on the road, and that's why Bentley implemented one of the coolest headlight washing systems I've ever seen.Out of the center of the outermost headlight a little arm extends out as if the Bentayga was doing its best impression of R2-D2 or BB-8 from Star Wars. Then the arm squirts out a little bit of cleaning fluid onto the main headlight, washing away any mud, dirt or bugs that may be caked onto it. Seriously, it's a weird little feature and if you weren't aware of it, you'd be a bit startled if someone activated this feature next to you in traffic.All Bentley Bentayga For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 19, 2016

Bentley Reveals Bentayga Fly Fishing by Mulliner

The world of classic English luxury was once dominated by independent coachbuilders. Private firms like Park Ward & H.J. Mulliner had no limits in building bespoke bodies for an exclusive clientele. Over the years Mulliner was incorporated into Bentley, being reserved for limited production & hand built cars. In a bold move that nobody saw coming, Bentley has unleashed the talents of their craftspeople upon their new SUV with the Bentayga Fly Fishing by Mulliner.Fly fishing demands the same level of skill and patience as required to build luxury vehicles, so this seems like a perfect combination. Four rods are held in tubes that are trimmed in saddle leather with linen cross stitching. These tubes are built into the floor and run underneath the tackle station. Hand cut veneers of Burr Walnut line the shelves which hold the vise and tools. Next to that lies a refreshment station filled with Mulliner fine china and three metal flasks. The best feature is a waterproof storage box for waders and boots, which will make sure the river doesn't run through it. The rear sill of any SUV is the first place to be scratched, so Mulliner included a retractable cover to protect the paint.(Check This Out - Smackdown: Bentley Bentayga vs Porsche 911 Turbo)Bentley Dynamic Ride controls 48-volt actuators at each corner in conjunction with the Responsive Off-Road system. The only twelve-cylinder SUV to offer a tackle box, this new Mulliner is ready to hit the river. Pricing has yet to be released, so check with our dealers for more information and stay with us for Bentley updates.View Bentaygas For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 28, 2016

Golf in Style with Bentley's New Golf Collection

Quality and luxury embody everything Bentley touches, and the brand's golf collection fits right into that realm. In fact, the company speaks of it's new golf line as the union of, "luxury and performance with the finest in sports and leisure." Bentley partnered with industry leaders, Professional Golf Europe, to create the ultimate set for the golfing aficionado. Clubs, bags and accessories have been meticulously designed and manufactured. The set includes some unique features like irons hand-forged in Ichikawa, Japan, an area with a long and prosperous history in metal working. Bentley inspired detailing and styling is seen in all facets of the golf sets, from the bags to the accessories.Bentley owners and fans will notice detailing from a number of different Bentley models within the collection as well. The famous rear arch of the Continental GT and the curves of the Mulsanne are apparent in the design of the clubs and accessories. The clubs, made to suit the novice or professional golfer, include "high performance steel and graphite shaft options" as well as desired flex options based on the golfer's experience. Additionally, buyers can choose their driver's loft option, which comes in 9, 10.5 and 12 degree. Bags include waterproof fabrics to optimize use and wear. Even their leather bag option is waterproof inside and out. As for accessories, golfers can complete their new Bentley collection with "Sterling Silver Golf Ball Marker and Pitch Fork featuring Bentley knurling to give an overriding feel of luxury." Other accessories include bag towels, umbrellas, golf tees and more.The golf collection will be available for sale in September 2016, in select golf retailers. Customers can also purchase from http://www.bentleygolf.com/

By Andrew Nabors – June 10, 2016

Smackdown: Bentley Bentayga vs Porsche 911 Turbo

When was the last time you saw a Bentley at the drag strip? We don't remember either, which is why this new upload from DragTimes is so captivating. The new Bentayga is one of the most potent and expensive SUVs ever built, but how will it handle going up against its cousin from Germany? Yes, they are related, as Bentley is the ultra-luxury division of VW, the parent company of Porsche.(Also Read - Revealed: 2016 Porsche 911 R)Bentley offers 600 hp to all wheels which makes 60 mph arrive in 3.5 seconds. The Porsche is armed with a Gosha turbo kit tuned to 800 hp. Both are All Wheel Drive, but will the twelve-cylinder SUV overtake the flat six coupe? The results are surprising to say the least, so tell us who you would think would win on the street.As always, drag racing is dangerous, so keep it at the track.Bentley Bentayga For Sale | Porsche 911 Turbo For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 15, 2016

Bentley Continental Styled By British Pop Art King for Ch...

Sir Peter Blake, the U.K.'s resident pop art master, has styled a one-of-a-kind Bentley Continental GT V8 S Convertible in order to raise money for charity. This is the first specialty artwork on a Bentley of its kind. The finish features bright, primary colors and a solid, color-block design.Proceeds from the auction of the vehicle benefit Care2Save, which is an established nonprofit that offers both hospice and relief care throughout the world. According to a press release, Sir Peter Blake is well known for his design work with The Beatles. In reference to his project with Bentley, he states:“I am proud to have been involved with transforming this beautiful car, and have enormous admiration for the people at Bentley who brought my design into being, to produce this one-off lovely car.”To match Sir Peter Blake's one-of-a-kind finish, the interior of the Continental GT is fashioned with trimming in bright colors including Imperial blue and Cumbrian Green among others.Bentley Continental GT For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 01, 2016

Bentley Mulsanne Grand Limousine By Mulliner

If a regular Bentley Mulsanne wasn't luxurious enough for you (even though it really should be) the English automaker has now revealed the Mulsanne Grand Limousine by Mulliner.It comes in one meter and 79 mm longer than the standard Mulsanne, pushing right into a limousine length. Taking up the extra space is a unique interior that is complete with private-aviation style seating configuration for the ultimate luxury drive. These four seats are surrounded by a fine wood, leather and space to move into.Of course, no limousine would be complete without a slew of features that make life in a Bentley that much better. These features include iPad charging and docking stations, veneered fold-out tables, a bottle cooler with crystal flutes, an intercom used to communicate with the driver and a soft drink cabinet with bespoke glasses.If you've ever wanted to be driven in the next level of luxury, check out the new Bentley Mulsanne Grand Limousine by Mulliner.Bentley Mulsannes For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 23, 2016

Revealed: The New Bentley Mulsanne

Dubbed "the ultimate expression of British automotive luxury," Bentley Motorcars debuted the brand new Mulsanne-- the company's "ultimate statement of craftsmanship and automotive artistry." The Mulsanne family now includes three models: Mulsanne Mulsanne Speed Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase Each model hails it's own special features, which sets the Mulsanne family apart from the rest. The new Mulsanne underwent a series of changes that are sure to make the luxury mobile stand out from it's former edition. As Benley states:A suite of elegantly executed styling revisions mark the new Mulsanne out from its predecessor. The entire front-end style of the car (forward of the A pillar) has been completely redesigned. The fenders, bonnet, radiator shell, grilles, lights – and bumpers fore and aft – have all been updated, giving the car a more modern and integrated appearance.On the inside, occupants will of course find the world’s finest handcrafted wood, leather and metal fittings, and the new Mulsanne also boasts redesigned seats, new door trims and armrests, unique glass switchgear and an industry-leading palette of 24 exquisite hide colours. Technology enhancements also mark an important change for the new Mulsanne. The interior is fitted with tablets powered by Android for the back seat passengers. They'll have full access to apps like Skype and Google play. Each tablet can also be removed and used away from the vehicle.As for power, the new Mulsanne will feature a 6¾-litre V8 which produces 505 bhp and 752 lb.-ft of torque. The car will reach a top speed of 184 and sail from 0-60 in 5.1 seconds.Check out the photos of the redesigned Mulsanne below.Bentley Mulsanne for Sale

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