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 Tyler Rampersaud – March 11, 2025

Bentley Unveils New 'Black Rose' Batur With 3D Printed Ro...

Bentley unveils a stunning variant of its coachbuilt masterpiece. Bentley has officially retired its cherished W12 engine, which for over 20 years represented the pinnacle of its performance and luxury. As an innovative and celebrated powertrain, Bentley gave it a deserving swansong, with limited-edition coachbuilt models showcasing it in its most powerful form in beautifully-crafted, ultra-exclusive vehicles with incredible attention to detail from Mulliner. One of those is the Batur, a grand touring coupe with stunningly futuristic design details and uncompromising luxury, and one of only eighteen examples of the Batur that will be made has been unveiled: ‘The Black Rose.’ Another highlight of The Black Rose Batur’s exclusivity is the fact that it is one of only three right-hand-drive Bentley Baturs that will exist. The car is a special commission, which features a bespoke exterior color which is aptly named Black Rose, with accents done in elegant Rose Gold. Inside, the luxurious interior is upholstered with a color scheme that echoes the exterior, and special touches in the interior include Bentley’s first-ever use of 3D-printed solid 18-karat rose gold, applied in places like the drive mode selector and the “organ stop” dashboard vent controls. The stunning new vehicle is the latest, and one of the greatest examples of Bentley’s coachbuilding and commissioning ability. With the capacity to make cars completely according to a client’s wishes, Bentley’s storied Mulliner bespoke and coachbuilding department went as far as creating an exclusive exterior color and using industry-first, cutting-edge 3D-printed solid gold in the creation of The Black Rose Batur, which stands out as a gorgeous celebration of Bentley’s W12 engine, and of its past, present, and future automotive excellence. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 06, 2025

Bentley Mulliner Adds New Accent Colors For Continental G...

Bentley continues to exemplify true personalization excellence. Through its Mulliner arm, which offers coachbuilding, the recreation of historic models, one-off commissions, and limited-edition series models, Bentley is one of the premier ultra-luxury manufacturers in the automotive industry, both in general and especially when it comes to personalization. Boasting “46 billion” possible configurations for its Continental GT, Bentley owners are treated to the ability to potentially curate their cars as beacons of their personal expression. Now, a new feature has expanded that catalog even further, with the addition of more exterior accent colors for the Continental GT and Continental GTC. Thanks to Mulliner’s incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail, accent colors are available for the body kits, wheel designs, and side mirrors of the new fourth-generation Continental GT and Continental GTC. Showing off a subtle but powerful detail with the new library of accent colors available for the new Bentley Continental GT and Continental GTC, Bentley is showcasing Mulliner’s incredible craftsmanship and the ultra-luxurious details of its revered grand touring model, which now features an unfathomable amount of possible configurations to echo the personal expression, style, and taste of its clients. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley

A maroon luxury SUV is parked in a minimalist, gradient-colored room with a reflective floor.

By Gabriel Vega – February 25, 2025

Unveiled: The Bentley Bentayga Atelier Edition Trades Per...

Available for the Bentayga Hybrid, V8, and Extended Wheelbase models, the Atelier Edition centers around six curated color combinations.

A black Bentley luxury SUV, part of the Mulliner Bespoke Collections, is parked in a spacious, white industrial-looking room with visible ceiling beams.

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 13, 2025

Bentley Unveils New 'Inspired By China' Mulliner Bespoke ...

Rich history and culture inspire new bespoke creations. Mulliner, Bentley’s storied bespoke department, is known for its range of abilities to create stunning personalized and ultra-luxurious vehicles. Its latest creation is a series of eight new collections, all created as exclusive models for the Chinese market. Each is inspired by China’s culture and history, and the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail included ensuring that the important symbols and cultural references were represented beautifully. The vibrant colors of Koi Carp were the inspiration for a Bentayga EWB configuration, as the iconic fish are believed to bring courage and luck. A black interior accented wtih Mandarin Orange and granite stone provide a beautiful canvas for the embroidery of six fish swimming in a clockwise direction. A “ripple” effect on the fascia reflects the water, with gold accents completing the stunning design. Wang Ximeng’s painting ‘A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains,’ a legendary artwork created during the Song Dynasty, served as the inspiration for another configuration, specifically of the Flying Spur Azure. The blues, greens, and gold colors of the painting served as the main guideline for the bespoke blue interior, which features embroidery and details throughout inspired by the painting. "Ru Yi,” a traditional Chinese decorative object that is highly symbolic of good luck, served as the inspiration for a Flying Spur configuration, which features gold thread and other design elements inspired by the iconic features of the object. Other configurations feature dragons, dancing lions, and pandas, reflecting some of the most important Chinese cultural staples in this new highly exclusive series of bespoke Bentley collections made exclusively for the Chinese market. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley

A vintage green Bentley Speed Six from the Continuation Series, with the number 3 and a British flag on the side, is being driven on a road by a man. The classic car features spoked wheels and a rear-mounted spare tire.

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 06, 2025

Bentley Unveils 3rd Speed Six Continuation Series With A ...

The third car in this highly exclusive series is a special one. Bentley is known both for its cutting-edge innovation and its rich history, and one of the latest creations from Mulliner, Bentley’s storied bespoke department, showcases both beautifully. It’s the new Bentley Speed Six Continuation Series, a revival of the historic and highly successful Bentley race car, created using historic documents and original cars, as well as cutting-edge technology. Both old and new solutions come together to create a faithfully recreated Speed Six, manufactured using period-correct materials and techniques. Only 12 Bentley Speed Six Continuation Series customer cars will be made, and the third one has just been revealed, with a very special configuration as part of a cherished collection. The owner’s love for Bentley began in childhood, owning a ‘Models of Yesteryear’ scale model of the Blower that sparked a lifelong interest in Bentley’s pre-war race cars. Today, the dream of owning one has been realized in an incredible way with the delivery of his new Bentley Speed Six Continuation Series. The new car joins an extensive collection of Bentleys owned by him and his wife, including a Continental GT, a rare Continental GT3R, a Continental Supersports, and a First Edition Bentley Bentayga. However, the two crown jewels of the collection are a Blower Continuation Series, and the new Speed Six Continuation Series. Being the third car of the series is serendipitous, as the number 3 has significance to the owner, playing rugby with a number 3 jersey, and having three daughters, who are the namesake for the bespoke “Embelo Green” paint color that both the Speed Six Continuation Series and the Blower Continuation Series are finished in. With a personal story and a historic legacy, the new Bentley Speed Six Continuation Series number 3 is an incredibly special creation. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 05, 2025

Bentley Residences Announces New Amenities For Its Sunny ...

As if the car elevator wasn't enough! Expanding its ultra-luxury lifestyle to the beachfront of sunny South Florida, Bentley Residences offers five-star living for residents of the exclusive Sunny Isles Beach development. And while Bentley Motors and Dezer Development have incorporated innovative features like a 'Dezervator Lift' that takes you and your car directly to your high-rise, the duo still has a few tricks up their sleeves with the announcement of some upcoming amenities to be added. The tower's 20,000-square-foot hospitality experience will set a new standard in resort-style living, including a beauty salon with breathtaking ocean views and a 114-square-foot pet spa adorned with Bentley's signature motifs. Elevating the experience, Bentley Residences will showcase world-class dining curated by celebrity chef Todd English, guaranteeing that residents enjoy an exclusive culinary journey. The oceanfront beach club and pool deck will be lined with private cabanas offering full-service food and beverage options. At the same time, a state-of-the-art fitness center with an outdoor yoga terrace will cater to wellness. The concierge services are equally extensive, ranging from spa reservations to personal styling and even pet grooming. Every aspect of the building, from the communal spaces to the private residences, has been meticulously designed to reflect Bentley's heritage of luxury. With pricing starting at $5.8 million, Bentley Motors' exclusive residential tower promises a new level of upscale living. Discover and inquire more information on becoming a future resident of Bentley Residences by clicking the link below. Discover Bentley Residences Source: Bentley Motors Register Your Interest In Bentley Residences

A vintage green Bentley, reminiscent of the classic Speed Six, is parked indoors. It proudly showcases its timeless design with large wheels and exposed mechanical components, echoing an era of elegance and performance.

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 29, 2025

Bentley To Debut Speed Six Continuation Series & New Cont...

Bentley brings a breadth of automotive excellence to a prestigious event. After over a century in the automotive industry, Bentley has become well-known for its ultra-luxury vehicles that combine fine materials, beautiful design, spirited performance, and high-tech features. However, Bentley is entering a new era this model year, with the introduction of the new Ultra Performance Hybrid Powertrain, a new flagship setup that replaces Bentely’s iconic W12 engine. The new powertrain combines a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with hybrid assist for unprecedented performance for production Bentley models. At this year’s Retromobile classic event, Bentley is showcasing two of its latest automotive creations, including the new Bentley Continental GTC Speed. While the new Continental showcases Bentley’s latest innovation and engineering technology, the other new vehicle that Bentley is showcasing at Retromobile, the Speed Six Continuation Series, is a stunning example of Bentley’s rich tradition, and the preservation of its century-long history. While the Speed Six Continuation Series is a new vehicle from Bentley, it’s a painstakingly created revival of a highly successful Bentley racing legend from the early days of the manufacturer. Using historical examples, preserved documents, and high-tech digital models, the Speed Six Continuation is manufactured using period-correct tools and techniques to revive the original car as faithfully as possible. With only twelve examples being built, each will take ten months to complete from start to finish. At this year’s Retromobile event, Bentley is showcasing its cutting-edge innovation and its storied traditional craftsmanship. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley

A sleek, purple Bespoke Bentley convertible sports car with the top down showcases a luxurious interior against a dark background, reminiscent of the elegance found in a $1.7M auction masterpiece.

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 28, 2025

First Bespoke 2025 Bentley Continental GTC Speed Auctions...

This bespoke masterpiece is a Continental with a cause. For the 2025 model year, Bentley redesigned its legendary Continental GT, retiring its W12 engine and reintroducing the Speed variant of the renowned grand tourer with Bentley’s new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, which combines a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with a hybrid system for a massive 771 horsepower and 738 lb/ft of torque. Along with revised looks and updates throughout, the new Bentley Continental GT and Bentley Continental GTC speed are a thrilling reimagination of Bentley’s grand touring staple. With enthusiasts looking to get their hands on the transformed Continental, the first bespoke example of the new Continental GTC Speed was sold at auction during the recent 2025 Naples Winter Wine Festival, where it was the highest lot in the auction with a $1.7 million sale. The sale benefitted Naples Children & Education Foundation, and not only will the winning bidder own the stunning bespoke grand touring convertible, but will also participate in Bentley’s 2025 Monterey Car Week program later this year. The bespoke configuration features a Damson exterior color, with a bespoke interior that features white and Damson leather upholstery, with silver piping. With a unique bespoke configuration showing the pinnacle of Bentley’s unique luxury craftsmanship, the most potent powertrain to be featured in a Bentley production model yet, and the benefit to an incredibly worthy cause, the auction of this new bespoke Bentley Continental GTC Speed was a thrilling sale of a magnificent vehicle. View All Bentley Continentals For Sale Image Source: Bentley

A blue Bentley Bentayga from the EWB Riviera Collection is parked by a waterfront with a city skyline and mountains in the background. A white boat glides through the water, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of Brussels' finest views.

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 08, 2025

Bentley Unveils New Bentayga EWB Riviera Collection In Br...

Bentley’s new flagship goes bespoke. Bentley’s Mulliner department has a wide range of abilities, including bespoke vehicles, luxurious touches, and coachbuilt masterpieces. However, its latest creation is a bespoke collection of Bentley’s new flagship luxury offering: the Bentayga EWB. An extended-wheelbase version of Bentley’s ultra-luxurious SUV, the Bentayga EWB offers incredible rear-seat comfort and luxury features that set it apart as a plush, stylish flagship. Focused on wellness and relaxation, the Azure trim level serves as the basis for the newly announced Bentayga EWB Riviera Collection, which debuted at the Brussels Motor Show. The collection features an Aegean Blue exterior color, which echoes the stunning natural beauty of the seaside, while the interior combines Linen and Brunel hide upholstery with special embroidery setting the bespoke collection apart. Showcased at the Brussels Motor Show alongside the new Bentayga EWB Riviera Collection, the new Bentley Continental GTC Speed, with its 771-horsepower V8 hybrid powertrain, finished in a stunning bronze exterior color and an interior finished in Cumbrian Green. As Bentley’s new hybrid performance hero, the new Continental GTC Speed was showcased alongside the new Bentayga EWB Riviera Collection, a new bespoke luxury flagship. Both cars represented the range of ultimate automotive luxury that Bentley is capable of delivering. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley

In a dimly lit showroom, a white Bentley Bentayga with color-changing illuminated patterns takes center stage, surrounded by branding and abstract designs on the walls.

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 09, 2024

Bentley x Bang Bang Debut New One-Off Color-Changing Bent...

The ink is dry on Bentley’s latest collaboration. While Bentley is well-known for its ultra-luxurious vehicles with stunning details, elegant design, fine materials and incredible driving character. However, through Bentley’s Mulliner bespoke department, the personalization factor of Bentley’s coveted luxury vehicles is incredibly strong. With an incredible library of colors, materials, and finishes available, the possibilities of creating personal statements through Mulliner are virtually limitless, let alone what Mulliner can do with bespoke vehicles. During this year’s Miami Art Week, a new collaboration from Bentley unfolded, with a bespoke vehicle at its center. That collaboration is with famed tattoo artist Bang Bang, and it uses innovative technology for a creative vicual effect on Bentley’s icnoic ultra-luxury SUV: the Bentayga. After recently debuting a groundbreaking “Magic Ink” tattoo ink, Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy collaboratively designed a new one-off with Bentley that mimics its effect. The “Magic Ink” allows users to “turn on” and “turn off” their tattoos by exposing it to specific wavelengths of light. In the collaboration, the artwork featured on the bespoke collaborative car is able to change its appearance in white and UV light, sharing its dynamixm with the famed, high-tech “Magic Ink” tattoos. Revealed at Miami Artr Week this year, the next chapter of Bentley and Bang Bang’s collaboration will be unveiled in 2025. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley

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