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 – April 30, 2024

Bentley Breaks Ground On A New State-Of-The-Art Paint Shop

Bentley’s upcoming facility has a colorful purpose. As part of its long-term Beyond100 plan, Bentley not only set out to transform its lineup of vehicles with electrification but also focus on sustainability entirely as a manufacturer, with the goal of creating a carbon-neutral “Dream Factory,” and becoming the world’s most sustainable luxury car manufacturer. Towards that goal, Bentley has already made great progress and is now announcing that it’s broken ground for the construction of a new paint shop for its future electrified lineup of vehicles in its home of Crewe, England. The upcoming paint shop will be completed in 2025, and when it’s finished, it will boast an expanded ability to paint cars in over 100 different colors, which colored panels on the exterior design of the building indicate. In addition to the new paint shop, the new building will also feature four stories of offices that will house 370 Bentley employees. The new paint shop is part of Bentley’s investment of over $3 billion towards realizing its Beyond100 goals to become a state-of-the-art, futuristic, and sustainable manufacturer all-around. With the ultimate goal for Bentley to have end-to-end carbon-neutral status by 2030, the Beyond100 strategy is rapidly coming to fruition. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 26, 2024

Bentley Motors Set to Unveil An Exclusive Coachbuilt Mast...

Discover Bentley's latest hand-crafted coachbuild by Mulliner, limited to 16 examples and powered by the iconic W12. Even as an early pioneer in offering bespoke services as part of its manufacturing, Bentley Motors continues to take pride in coachbuilding and personalizing spectacular creations through its Mulliner division. Excited to venture on its next journey with an all-new model, Bentley and Mulliner are teasing the upcoming debut of its next ultra-exclusive coachbuild for May 7, 2024. Crafted by Mulliner, Bentley's renowned in-house bespoke division, this coachbuilt follows in the footsteps of the Bacalar barchetta and Batur coupe. Following in the footsteps of the Bacalar barchetta and Batur coupe, this new Bentley promises to uphold Mulliner's legacy of individuality and craftsmanship. With production limited to just 16 pieces, these bespoke Bentleys will also be among the last to feature the iconic W12 engine, making them true collector-grade examples for true enthusiasts. Stay tuned into duPont REGISTRY as Bentley Motors gets set to unveil its next extraordinary coachbuild with Mulliner. View all Bentleys currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bentleys For Sale Source: Bentley Motors

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 08, 2024

Bentley Mulliner & Boodles Create New Jewelry-Inspired On...

Revered names in the jewelry and automotive worlds combine to create a luxury icon. For over a century, Bentley has been renowned for exemplifying the pinnacle of automotive luxury and performance, presenting innovative technologies, beautiful style, incredible attention to detail, and using the finest materials. Today, Bentley’s lineup consists of some of the most luxurious and futuristic vehicles on the road, and with electrification set to sweep through the brand’s portfolio, it’s only going to get more high-tech and innovative. Similar to Bentley, but in the jewelry world is Boodles, another British icon whose roots trace all the way back to 1798. Known for putting dazzling stones in stunning settings, Boodles creates pieces that mesmerize wearers and onlookers alike. Its fine and high jewelry are both known for representing luxury and incredible craftsmanship in the jewelry industry, just as Bentley does for the automotive world. Now, Boodles and Bentley have come together with the bespoke ability of Bentley’s Mulliner division and created a new one-of-one collaborative Continental GTC. The grand touring convertible features an elegant configuration pairing Porpoise Grey with a Linen interior, which is accented by Boodle’s signature Powder Pink. In addition, the center console features a “Be Boodles Bentley” pendant, featuring a diamond set in 18-karat white gold. The one-off bespoke embroidery features 278,566 stitches, taking 6 hours to complete. Meanwhile, the veneer pairs a piano finish with 200-million-year-old stone, which is painstakingly only a tenth of a millimeter thick. Other precious details include knurled air vents, dials, and bezels, 24-karat gold organ stops, and engraved treadplates, transforming the already-luxurious Bentley Continental GTC into a collector-grade bespoke masterpiece. With both Boodles and Mulliner having heritage that dates back to the 18th century, this stunning new one-of-one convertible is an ode to two historic icons in British luxury. View All Bentley Continental GTCs For Sale Image Source: Bentley

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 29, 2024

Bentley Launches New Bentayga SUV Styling Packages Inspir...

As bespoke services continue to drive the luxury car market alongside industry leaders like Bentley Motors, inspiration for new and innovative design ideas often comes from places you wouldn't expect. Having taken a new sustainable approach with a fleet of efficient hybrids and an eco-friendly production facility, Bentley is honoring Mother Nature with the launch of all-new styling packages exclusive to the Bentayga SUV line. The initiative, dreamed up by Bentley’s Mulliner Design Team, introduces four stunning configurations that are nothing short of an homage to the great outdoors. And for those looking to take it a notch higher, there's the option to pair these head-turning interiors with equally striking Exterior Styling Packages. Magenta draws its inspiration from the color of purple peony flowers, symbolizing honor, luxury, and a touch of power. Glacier Blue mirrors the cool tones of an ice-blue dahlia, evoking peace and refined elegance. Azimuth Blue resembles the serene blue of hortensia flowers, bringing a calm and tranquil vibe. Lastly, Cherry Blossom pays homage to Japan's iconic cherry blossoms, representing a fresh start. The aesthetics come equipped alongside a bunch of tech upgrades and new features designed to make the Bentayga S even more of a joy to drive. From smarter seat comfort features and an air system that keeps tabs on air quality, to a driver instrument panel that paints a 3D picture of the road ahead, Bentley is pulling out all the stops for its customers. Plus, with an eye on sustainability, Bentley's rolling-out cabin carpets made entirely from recycled nylon. Bentley Europe's new "Curated by Mulliner" packages are giving the Bentayga a personal touch while giving a nod to the environment. View all Bentley Bentaygas for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bentley Bentaygas For Sale Source: Bentley Motors

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 20, 2024

Bentley Starts Production Of The Speed Six Continuation S...

Bentley revives its rich history with incredible craftsmanship. Through its Mulliner division, Bentley unlocks virtually limitless possibilities. Whether it’s special touches and details in cars, limited editions, coachbuilt models, or the painstaking recreation of historical models like the Speed Six, Mulliner elevates Bentley’s luxury, style and automotive excellence in general. However, the century-old manufacturer is on the cusp of opening a new chapter when it comes to the Speed Six Continuation Series, as the first customer car is now being built. It’s been 93 years since the last customer-spec Speed Six was built, and as Bentley celebrates its rich racing heritage after building 12 examples of the Blower Continuation Series, the “Car Zero” prototype of the Speed Six Continuation Series has completed a rigorous testing cycle, with 40 hours of engine testing, thousands of miles of test driving, and the verification of its 112-mph top speed, which the original car had. Today, the production of the first client example of the Speed Six Continuation series is underway, and while it’s being made at Mulliner’s state-of-the-art facilities, the car is being produced using techniques and tools that are accurate to the time in which the original was made. Parts throughout the car were painstakingly recreated to echo everything about the original, with period-correct materials, and even 3D models created using the original drawings to revive the legend. The Speed Six is integral to Bentley’s pedigree, with two wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1929 and 1930, and a win in which Bentley’s Chairman at the time, Woolf Barnato, raced the Blue Train from Cannes to Calais in France, and even took the Ferry to London, arriving to the Conservative Club on St. James’ Street four minutes before the Blue Train made it to Calais. With incredible stories and influence that has remained with Bentley to this day, the Speed Six is one of the most important cars the century-old manufacturer has ever made, and the Continuation Series is the greatest way to celebrate its legacy. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley

May 2023 Crewe , Cheshire Bentley Motors

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 19, 2024

Bentley Credits Bespoke Personalization For 2023 Financia...

Bentley continues to bask in success through personalization. When it comes to automotive luxury, there are few peers that occupy the same echelon as Bentley. However, one of the most important aspects of Bentley’s splendor is its incredible bespoke capabilities, courtesy of Mulliner, whose roots trace back to one of the world’s oldest coachbuilders. Ranging from special details, to exclusive limited edition creations, to coachbuilt masterpieces that celebrate Bentley’s automotive excellence, Mulliner uses bespoke craftsmanship to elevate the luxury experience Bentley delivers to its owners. With 2023 boasting Bentley’s second-best financial performance on record, it’s that level of personalization that the manufacturer is crediting as the driving force behind its astounding success. Three quarters of Bentley’s customers last year chose bespoke options from Mulliner, on top of being spoilt for choice with Bentley’s 46 billion different possible configurations. Operating profit for the year stood at over $639 million, with revenue standing at roughly $3.19 billion as customers opted in large numbers for Azure, S, and Speed models, making up 70 percent of orders, compared to 30 percent in 2022. 13,560 Bentleys were delivered in 2023, marking the historic British luxury brand’s third-highest figure in history. Unsurprisingly, the Bentayga has remained the most popular model, with it accounting for 44 percent of Bentley’s total 2023 sales volume. It was followed by the Continental GT/GTC at 31 percent, and then by the Flying Spur at 25 percent. With the wind in its sails financially as Bentley continues to take on 2024, the manufacturer’s financial success helps fuel the implementation of its Beyond100 strategy, transforming the century-old Bentley into a sustainable manufacturer of luxury vehicles from start to finish, which is destined to venture far into the future. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 13, 2024

Bentley Motors Is Revolutionizing Luxury With The Macalla...

The Macallan Horizon embodies the essence of Bentley. With a strong pulse on the automotive market, Bentley Motors' success allows the brand to dip into other luxury industries through creative collaborations that embody the lifestyle of driving one of its high-end vehicles. As part of a partnership with Macallan, the duo aims to create exclusive, small-batch scotch whisky using a recipe and process more than two centuries old. Today, Bentley Motors x Macallan is proud to launch The Macallan Horizon, a fusion between the worlds of exceptional single malt whisky and automotive design. The collaboration draws inspiration from the foundation of both brands, incorporating six materials key to The Macallan and Bentley Motors. The bespoke glass vessel, embraced by an aluminum ribbon to Bentley's high standards, stands out for challenging the conventional whisky bottle design. Crowned with Bentley’s Crown Cut Walnut veneer and filled with a bold single malt crafted by The Macallan Master Whisky Maker, the whisky offers spice flavor notes balanced with oak and leather aromas. This groundbreaking release celebrates the art of whisky making and automotive engineering while also setting a new standard in the luxury sector. The limited-edition Bentley Motors x Macallan Horizon single malt whisky is now available through authorized retailers with the price upon request. View all Bentleys for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bentleys For Sale Source: Bentley Motors

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 12, 2024

Bentley Named "Britain's Most Admired Car Manufacturer" 2...

Bentley basks in the glow of its home country’s acclaim. Bentley is, without a doubt, one of the most quintessential names in British automotive luxury, and with it being founded in 1919, it’s also one of the most historic. Today, Bentley features a comprehensive lineup that sets standards when it comes to automotive luxury, with the Continental GT and GTC showing off comfort, performance, and driving pleasure, the Flying Spur being an elegant and spirited luxury sedan, and the Bentayga and Bentayga EWB offering style, the everyday usability of an SUV, and some of the most opulent, daring, and innovative luxury Bentley has to offer. This year, Echo Research, a renowned international market research firm, continued to run the UK’s longest-running study of corporate reputation, the Most Admired Companies Study, which dates back 30 years, and studies 250 British brands in 25 sectors. Industry executives rate brands based on 13 different criteria, and Bentley is proud to announce that for the second year in a row, it’s earned the title of being Britain’s Most Admired Automotive Manufacturer. One of the most notable reasons why Bentley has earned this distinction in the survey include the ambition and commitment to its radical Beyond100 strategy, whose implementation is already in full swing and whose goal is to transform Bentley’s approach to sustainability across the brand, from the cars themselves to the methods and materials with which they are produced. Out of the 13 criteria by which Bentley was judged, it ranked number one in 8 of them. These were: Quality of Products and Services, Quality of Management, Financial Soundness, Capacity to Innovate, Long-term Potential, Inspirational Leadership, Ability to Attract and Retain Talent, and Competitiveness. With such a respected and important accolade to its name for the second consecutive year, Bentley looks forward to continuing its incredible success. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 04, 2024

Bentley Launches Its First Mulliner Bespoke Edition In India

Bentley Mulliner’s bespoke excellence expands its international reach. Bentley’s Mulliner division traces its roots to one of the world’s oldest coachbulider, and with that rich history, its bespoke craftsmanship, unique design capabilities, and expertise in personalization has resulted in incredible vehicles, whether those be limited-series models, bespoke details in a vehicle, or collections of models with distinct designs with various inspirations. These Mulliner Bespoke Edition collections make for masterpieces that are perfect for any collection of exotic or luxury cars. For the first time, Bentley has launched a Mulliner Bepsoke Edition in India, curating a collection of 5 bespoke cars made exclusively for the Indian market, and designed with the inspiration of Indian culture. The colors throughout the cars are inspired by the Indian flag, with the most prominent being the Scarab Green exterior, an exclusive color used for the first time since it was developed for the coachbuilt Batur. All five cars: a Continental GT Speed, a Flying Spur Speed, and three Bentayga EWB Azures, are finished in the mesmerizing color. The interiors complete the Indian flag homage with Cumbrian Green and Mandarin colors, while the fascia features chrome trim depicting wild horses and mountainous landscapes. The design is hand drawn, and it alludes to horses and mountains being symbols of luck and prosperity according to Indian feng shui. The collection, the Opulence Edition, was commissioned by Bentley Mumbai, was the first to be commissioned in India, and the designs of the cars were the result of a close collaboration between the dealership and Mulliner. With this new collection of luxurious bespoke vehicles, Bentley celebrates and strengthens its presence in India. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley

Bentley Residences Ground Breaking Ceremony, Sunny Isles Beach, USA 26 Feb 2024

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 27, 2024

Bentley Officially Breaks Ground On Bentley Residences Miami

Bentley’s bold new residential endeavor is in full swing. While Bentley has been known and celebrated for over a century for creating luxury vehicles that combine opulence, style, and performance, the upcoming Bentley Residences tower in Miami’s Sunny Isles Beach sees the century-old British luxury brand is embarking on the new foray of luxury living. In the tower, 216 residences will span a soaring 62 stories, with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intercoastal Waterway. Each will feature a private balcony with a pool, and garages that are accessible via the Dezervator, an elevator for cars so each resident can drive to their home in the sky. Ground has broken and construction on the tower is set to complete at the end of 2027. The Bentley Residences Miami tower is set to feature a one-of-a-kind luxury lifestyle, with luxurious appliances and furniture, elegant design that is inspired by Bentley’s automotive design language, and innovative engineering that removes the compromise of high-rise living. However, the building itself is set to feature various luxurious amenities as well, like a cigar lounge, a whiskey bar, and a restaurant with a menu curated by James Beard award-winning celebrity chef Todd English. With construction on the 2.4-acre property underway, Bentley is set to transform its approach to luxury and revolutionize the luxury real estate world with its beautiful Sunny Isles Beach Bentley Residences Miami living experience. Learn More Image Source: Bentley

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