Bentley News

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 Gabriel Vega – January 30, 2023

2023 Bentley Flying Spur S V8 Review: A Driver's Luxury S...

Meet the 2023 Bentley Flying Spur S, an ultra-luxury sedan that benchmarks just how sporty an over 5,100-lb opulent machine can be.

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 25, 2023

How Bentley Recreated A 1953 R-Type Continental On Its 70...

Bentley’s rich heritage makes for truly special creations. Over a century of history has seen Bentley create some of the most timelessly beautiful cars, and even long after their time, they go on to serve as inspiration for the brand’s present and even future endeavors. Bentley’s stunning grand tourer, the Continental GT, is a car that was born out of a long and storied Bentley heritage, with the Continental name being introduced in the form of the R-Type Continental of the 1950s. While only 208 R-Type Continentals were made, their design continues to inform the Continental today, and on its 70th birthday, the 1953 “JAS 949” R-Type Continental that is held in Bentley’s Heritage Collection is celebrated with a new Continental GT Azure that pays a beautiful homage to it. MUST READ: Bentley Celebrates Its Bathurst 12 Hour GT3 Racecar With Two Bespoke Continental GT S Models The car was originally owned by a Swiss doctor, and 70 years later after being acquired by Bentley in 2001, retains its original Red interior, manual transmission, and 4.6-liter engine. To honor it, the new Continental GT Azure features a V8 engine, a hand-painted body in Old English White, and an interior upholstered in Cricket Ball leather. This stunning new Bentley Continental GT Azure shows off Bentley’s timeless allure, and the brand’s ability to look back on a long history and create modern luxury marvels. View All Bentley Continental GTs For Sale Source: Bentley

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 24, 2023

Bentley Celebrates Its Bathurst 12 Hour GT3 Racecar With ...

Commemorating its winning Continental GT3, Bentley Mulliner unveils two new special edition models for passionate collectors. While Bentley’s motorsport division tackles race tracks all around the world, none seem to hold the amount of significance as Bathurst and its grueling 12-hour endurance race. With the recent launch of the new Continental GT S, Bentley Mulliner took advantage of the occasion by paying homage to the Continental GT3 race car that won Bathurst 12 Hour in 2020. Focusing on performance and an aggressive visual presence, Bentley Motors is proud to celebrate the winning Continental with a pair of special edition bespoke Continental GT S models. The collaboration with the Mulliner team comes fresh from its 2022 celebration, where 500 unique projects were completed in 12 months. MUST-READ: Bentley’s New Winter Art Exhibit Displays A Hand-Painted Flying Spur Azure And Bentayga EWB The first car takes inspiration from the livery of the winning race car, with an exterior in bright Apple Green, contrasted by a Beluga black roof, wing mirrors, lower bumper, and rear trunk silhouette. The unique front end also includes a number seven painted on the grill, as per the racer. The second car is painted in Silver Tempest to reflect the introduction of the second-generation Continental GT3 that was launched in late 2017 and started competing in 2018. Continental GT S number two mirrors the first, with black chrome and the carbon fiber Styling Specification to the exterior and a bespoke interior. Each car will come with a commemorative framed artifact and a 1:18 scale model of the winning car. View all current Bentley Continental models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Bentley Continental For Sale Source: Bentley Motors

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 24, 2023

Bentley's New Winter Art Exhibit Displays A Hand-Painted ...

Created for the 2022/23 winter season and is the latest from the partnership between Bentley and Bomber. Showcasing its talents on the open road and mountainous winter terrain, Bentley Motors is hitting the slopes with emerging German pop artist Max Mavior to transform a pair of skis into a unique piece of art. Setting up a mobile art exhibit at the vernissage in Kitzbühel, Austria, the 25-year-old artist's use of abstract figures and strong color combinations are envisioned through a pair of performance skis and two of Bentley’s newest models. The skis come from the new Bomber for Bentley ICE Edition Collection, which are limited to only 200 pairs and incorporates cues from the Bentley product range. MUST-READ: Bentley x BOMBER Skis Hit The Slopes With An Exclusive ICE Edition Winter Collection Using bright neon-colored spray cans, markers, and acrylic tubes, Mavior depicts his artistic style on the exclusive skis. The same process is applied to the hoods of a Flying Spur Azure V8 and Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB), shocking bystanders at the scene of someone painting on six-figure exotic vehicles. The timing and inspiration of the Bentley x Bomber Skis art exhibit perfectly coincide with the hosting of the 2023 Hahnenkamm Races, a prestigious downhill ski race held annually since 1931. View all current Bentley models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Bentley For Sale Source: Bentley Motors

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 23, 2023

Why Bentley Is Hiring 200+ New Positions Ahead Of EV Reveals

Bentley’s electrification plans jolt into action. The goal of Bentley’s ambitious Beyond100 plan is for the brand to transition into providing its incomparable automotive luxury in a form that is more environmentally sustainable than it has been in the past, and this is going to be achieved through better production practices, a sustainably-designed production facility, and most pertinent to the drivers and enthusiasts, electric vehicles. Now, Bentley’s latest announcement indicates that the luxury brand is ready to kick its electrification efforts into high gear, as its Crewe, England “Dream Factory” has announced more than 200 new jobs, all being recruited towards the end of developing new electric vehicles. MUST READ: Bentley Announces A New Director For Its Mulliner And Motorsport Divisions More than half of these newly opened positions are for engineering, and the end goal is to fulfill Bentley’s “Five-in-five” promise, which will see the brand reveal 5 electric models between the years of 2025 and 2030, completely transforming the Bentley model lineup. With the increased presence of software and digital components in electric vehicles, Bentley is seeking talent in these areas to make sure that its 5 upcoming electric models deliver the level of excellence that Bentley’s gasoline-powered models have achieved so it secures the same reputation it has held for decades in the new and undoubtedly fiercely competitive electric vehicle market that will soon materialize. With the time for Bentley’s first electric vehicle to be unveiled approaching relatively soon, the storied brand’s futuristic efforts are quickly coming to fruition. View All Bentleys For Sale Source: Bentley

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 13, 2023

Bentley Announces A New Director For Its Mulliner And Mot...

Bentley brings in new talent to continue building on incredible success. Bentley recently announced that it delivered 15,174 cars last year, which is not only a new record and the third year in a row where Bentley has broken its previous record, but it is also the first time in the manufacturer’s history that it delivered over 15,000 cars. A large part of its success is thanks to the customization that customers are offered from Bentley’s bespoke division: Mulliner. Derived from the world’s oldest coachbuilder, Mulliner offers unparalleled levels of craftsmanship, and the ability for Bentley owners to make beautifully unique vehicles, having completed 500 commission builds in 2022 alone, half as much as the 1,000 Mulliner completed in the eight years before, the division has experienced explosive success and growth. MUST READ: Bentley Brings A Bespoke Bentayga EWB Azure First Edition To The 100th Brussels Motor Show With Bentley’s sights set on going to levels even beyond the one it has achieved with Mulliner, the manufacturer has announced the appointment of a new director for both its Mulliner division and its Motorsport division: Ansar Ali. Previously, Ali worked as the Managing Director of McLaren Special Vehicle Operations, as well as in positions at Ford, Lotus, Caterham, and as a co-founder of Zenos Cars. With Bentley, Ali will be responsible for Motorsport, working with the brand’s GT3 teams, but for Bentley’s roadgoing customers, he’ll be working as director of Mulliner. With Mulliner, he’ll be responsible for the division’s three aspects, reviving Bentley classics, creating highly exclusive collector’s cars, and creating bespoke commissioned Bentley cars. With a portfolio already consisting of incredible projects like the Batur and Bacalar, Blower heritage cars, and the wide array of stunningly customized Bentleys, Bentley hopes that Ansar Ali’s appointment as director of Motorsport and Mulliner will take its already-incredible craftsmanship, luxury, and success to the next level. View All Bentleys For Sale Source: Bentley

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 12, 2023

Bentley Brings A Bespoke Bentayga EWB Azure First Edition...

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Brussels Motor Show, Bentley Motors attends the historic event with three bespoke models that embody the luxury DNA of the brand. Inside, a Flying Spur Mulliner Hybrid painted in Taranto Green sits front and center while a classic heritage model stands alongside it. Bentley Motors is proud to showcase the Bentayga EWB Azure First Edition on the open roads of Belgium for the first time. The exclusive Bentayga EWB Azure First Edition features an elegant Cumbrian Green finish, accentuating the luxury SUV’s extended wheelbase. The new Extended Wheelbase model showcases a unique balance of luxurious craftsmanship and exhilarating performance. MUST-READ: Bentley Says The Bentayga Is The World’s “Most Successful Luxury SUV” With a matching Cumbrian Green and Linen leather interior, the First Edition model seen in Brussels also includes individual handcrafted stitching, embroidery, and badging. The comfort-driven cabin includes the Airline Seat Specification, presenting the world's first auto climate sensing and advanced postural adjustment systems. The Bentayga EWB is powered by Bentley’s proven 4.0L V8 engine platform, responsible for delivering 542 horsepower and 568 ft-lbs of torque to its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. Displaying its most significant models for all to enjoy, Bentley Motors is celebrating The Brussels Motor Show centenary spectacularly. View all current Bentley Bentayga models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Bentley Bentayga For Sale Source: Bentley Motors

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 10, 2023

Bentley Says The Bentayga Is The World's "Most Successful...

Bentley built on unprecedented success in 2022. In 2021, Bentley shattered its financial records, making for what was its best year ever as a luxury automotive brand. However, in 2022, Bentley was not only able to achieve the same success, but even build on it, achieving an incredible total sales number of 15,174 for the year. This is not only a 4% increase over 2021’s number, but also the first time that Bentley has ever seen annual sales above 15,000. For this incredible achievement, Bentley credits the rapid expansion of its bespoke Mulliner offerings, as well as the introduction of new hybrid models, an early but significant step in Bentley’s Beyond100 journey towards electrification throughout its lineup. MUST READ: Bentley Mulliner Bespoke Celebrates 500 Personal Commission Builds For 2022 The Bentayga SUV was the most popular model in 2022, and this goes along with the popularity of luxury SUVs throughout the automotive industry. With the model making up a 42% portion of Bentley’s 2022 sales, and plenty of orders for upcoming EWB and Hybrid Bentaygas, Bentley says that the Bentayga is the “most successful luxury SUV in the world.” However, the rest of Bentley’s lineup excelled, as well. The Continental GT and its convertible counterpart accounted for just under a third of sales, and the Flying Spur over a quarter. Bentley celebrates the Flying Spur’s success as evidence that its electrification efforts are well received, as 30% of the Flying Spurs sold globally were hybrid models, and in the UK, over two thirds of 2022’s Flying Spurs were hybrids. With electrification on the horizon and plenty of success on its resume, Bentley is ready to continue dominating the luxury world. View All Bentleys For Sale Source: Bentley

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 22, 2022

Bentley Mulliner Bespoke Celebrates 500 Personal Commissi...

Averaging 125 custom builds per year from 2014 to 2021, Bentley crushes its previous milestone by 300%. Along with offering a fleet of luxurious coupes, sedans, and SUVs, Bentley Motors prides itself on catering to its clientele with options that further customize factory configurations. The creative team at Mulliner Design is proud to celebrate its most successful year yet, delivering 500 personal commission projects within 12 calendar months. The special division’s portfolio includes coach-built cars like the Batur, heritage limited editions including the Blower, and a wide variety of other one-off examples. The 500th Mulliner commission is a Bentley Flying Spur S Hybrid that will be headed to a new home in its home country of the United Kingdom. MUST-READ: Bentley Releases Its Sold Out Bacalar And Continental GT Speed In 1:43 Models Showcasing one of the very first personalized Flying Spur S Hybrid models, Bentley paints this spec in a new Spark Blue exterior color. Utilizing the highly-desirable Blackline package, gloss black paint is applied to the surrounding trim, radiator grills, and its 22-inch ten-spoke sport wheels. The interior presents a monochromatic cabin layered in diamond-quilted Beluga hide, with high-gloss carbon fiber veneer and polished metal covering every surface. Klein Blue leather is also used on the steering wheel and gear lever to add contrast to its all-white styling. Ending its record-breaking year in style, Bentley Motors preps for 2023 with eyes set on a new record. View all current Bentley models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Bentley For Sale Source: Bentley Motors

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 19, 2022

Bentley Releases Its Sold Out Bacalar And Continental GT ...

With accurate paint schemes and interior details, these Bentley models are the closest to the real thing. Growing up as car enthusiasts that aspire to own a garage full of supercars and hypercars, the passion began on a much smaller scale with miniature die-cast models. The automotive professionals at Bentley Motor Cars are proud to keep traditions strong by introducing two new exquisitely detailed models of its most recently released limited-production supercars. Bentley’s all-new 1:43 scale models showcase the Continental GT Speed and the limited-edition Bacalar by Mulliner. Offering a more affordable option aside from the real thing, collectors and enthusiasts can proudly display the exclusive models and their incredibly accurate features. MUST-READ: How Bentley 3D Prints Gold For The New $2M Bentley Mulliner Batur The Bentley Continental GT Speed presents a striking Candy Red paint scheme that also includes a carbon fiber Styling Package. Inside, the bright red interior configuration is complete with custom Speed embroidery and diamond quilting design. The more affordable version of the $1.9 million Bentley Bacalar by Mulliner depicts the Yellow Flame exterior of the bespoke Barchetta, matching the launch spec of the 12-chassis release. A wraparound cockpit blends the interior and exterior design, with a sophisticated Grey Tweed and Beluga colorway. Each model comes in chic Bentley boxes and is currently available for $122 on Bentley’s website. View all current Bentley examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Bentley For Sale Source: Bentley Motors

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