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 – 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

Sir Peter Blake Pop Art Bentley set to raise thousands for Charity (1)

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

Bentley Continental GT3RPhotograph: James Lipman // jameslipman.com

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 19, 2016

Bentley Continental GT: Price, Specs, Review and Photo

2016 Bentley Continental GT Specs Price: $198,500 Engine: 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 Horsepower: 582 hp 0–60: 4.3 seconds Top Speed: 198 mph Transmission: 8-speed automatic Torque: 531 lb-ft ReviewBentley recognizes auto enthusiasts who desire adventure, those who demand excitement and comfort. For these aficionados, the company has designed the new Bentley Continental GT. The British manufacturer delivers the highest quality materials with the latest technology to create a stimulating experience for the consumer. Bentley gives you unmatched luxury complemented by phenomenal performance in a vehicle built for enthusiasts.The GT boasts a newly designed steering wheel and enhanced straight flute seating for the most sophisticated drive ever. Bentley also equipped the touring supercar with a re-engineered W12 engine that produces 582 brake horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque and carries the large coupe from 0-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds.Astonishingly, with this increased performance, Bentley was able to improve the fuel efficiency to achieve a combined 19.9 mpg. The Continental GT indulges drivers with the finest in luxury without deprivation of performance. Once again, the British company delivers the most prestigious of vehicles for those noble enough to drive one.Bentley Continental GT For Sale Buy Your Issue Now

By Edward Jones – February 17, 2016

Revealed: Bentley's New Flying Spur V8 S Adds Power to Li...

Options are always welcome when buying a Bentley, right? Now customers have a new model option they can choose from when at the dealership, the Flying Spur V8 S.Unveiled today, this new model sits between the Flying Spur V8 and the flagship W12. It comes with a boost in power to its twin-turbo V8 engine, which now pumps out 521 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque, a modest increase over the standard V8's 500 hp and 487 lb-ft. This additional muscle powers the V8 S to 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds, a 0.3-second reduction over the V8.Bentley Flying Spur V8 S Specs Engine: Twin Turbo 4.0-liter V8 Horsepower: 521 bhp Torque: 502 lb-ft 0-62 mph: 4.9 seconds Top Speed: 190 mph Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Driveline: All-Wheel Drive Bentley made quite a few modifications to the V8 engine and transmission, all of which make for better throttle response and more power at-the-ready when at lower revs. What's pretty interesting is that even with all of these changes, it still has decent fuel economy, rated at a combined 25.9 mpg.To compliment the added power, the English automaker has also added a new slew of optional features. Now available to both the W12 and V8 S models is a semi-aniline hide option, which Bentley states in the press release is the "high-quality hide available in the automotive industry." They have also added new straight-fluting on the leather seats, along with a small diamond quilting pattern to the Mulliner Driving Specification.An MSRP or release date has not been mentioned yet, but they will be debuting the Bentley Flying Spur V8 S at the Geneva International Motor Show in early March.Bentley Flying Spur For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 09, 2016

Bentley Announces Mulsanne Beluga Edition by Mulliner

Mulliner, Bentley's right hand and in-house coachbuilder, just released its exclusive bespoke features for the Flying Spur, but they aren't done yet. Mulliner has a new work of art to share and this one is for those that like subtle, yet powerful and iconic look. Introducing the Bentley Mulsanne Beluga by Mulliner. But before we look at Mulliner's features, let's check out what makes the Mulsanne so special.Bentley Mulsanne Specs Engine: 6.75-liter V8 Horsepower: 530 hp Torque: 811 lb-ft torque 0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds To compliment the incredible power of the Beluga, Mulliner added a few interior and exterior features, including "a dark tinted Flying B with subtle laser-etched 'Beluga Edition' engraving". The Beluga is finished in a sleek black paint with five-spoke black wheels. The car is also adorned with steel sill plates to commemorate the speed edition. The plates are aptly engraved with "Speed". This true piece of art is perfectly suited for the driver that prefers a stealthy, understated look still capable of commanding attention.Check out photos of the exclusive features below. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.Bentley Mulsanne For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 05, 2016

Bentley Bentayga Specs, Price, Review & Photos

Bentley Bentayga Specs Price: $215,000 (est) Engine: 6.0-liter W12 or 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 Horsepower: 600 hp 0–60: 4.0 seconds Top Speed: 187 mph Transmission: 8-speed automatic Torque: 664 lb-ft Review Some manufacturers build an SUV to fight the terrain. Bentley designed their SUV to do just the opposite. The marque recognized the geology beneath their feet and took advantage, crafting a magnificent work of art that blends and flows seamlessly with the ground it is confronted by: the Bentayga. It all began with a social media buzz, and before long the concept was being carved into clay and shaped with meticulous detail, becoming one of the most desirable SUVs available. Its passengers will be gifted with impeccable comfort, on-road and off. The inside of the Bentayga will be suited with leather colored to match the landscapes of regions around the world. Its passengers will be gifted with impeccable comfort, on-road and off. The body is built with aluminum rather than steel, making it stronger and lighter than its expected weight. Sell My Bentley Bentayga: Get a Cash Offer Now Beneath the hood you will have your choice between Bentley’s famous 6.0-liter W12 engine and a more efficient 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. While the SUV hadn’t been officially released as of press time, there’s no doubt it will offer the perfect balance of comfort and exhilarating performance. Update: since the publication of the Exotic Car Buyers Guide, specs have been updated to include more details. Bentley Bentayga For Sale Buy Your Issue Now

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 01, 2016

Revealed: Bentley Flying Spur Gains New Mulliner Bespoke ...

Bentley's Flying Spur, a picture of luxury and performance, just got a little sweeter. The coach-building designer behind all of Bentley's most exquisite interiors, Mulliner, is now offering a new range of customizable bespoke features to enhance the Flying Spur experience. According to a press release from Bentley:This new range of personalisation options are but a few of the limitless possibilities a customer can find with Mulliner, and further enhance the Flying Spur’s reputation for unparalleled luxury and refinement for both work and relaxation. Options include the following:Mulliner Refrigerated Bottle Cooler- the bottle cooler would be placed between the two rear seats and accommodate a bottle of champagne, stopper, and two flutes.Painted Veneers- customers will be able to choose from Bentley's extensive color palette to add a splash of originality to the interior of the cabin.Sterling Silver Atomisers- The Flying Spur's doors have been redesigned so that they may accommodate sterling silver atomizers designed to bring a mist of fresh water or fragrance to the rear seat occupants.Mulliner Signature Quilting- The Flying Spur will now have the option to include Mulliner’s Signature Quilt Pattern to the center console.This is only a small sampling of the new Mulliner customizations available for the Flying Spur. More details to come!Bentley Flying Spur For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 18, 2015

Blacked-Out Bentley Continental Supersports For Sale

You might be inclined to think that a big Continental would be a pushover when fielded against purpose-built track cars, but this sinister Onyx Supersports packs a serious punch. When Bentley decided to push their coupe past the status quo, the result was a 621 hp and 590 lb-ft channeled through a race-ready T3 center differential. With a 60:40 torque ratio, the Continental Supersports is equally at home on the drag strip or in the corners. This low mileage example has done away with subdued & plebian styling, thanks to a wide body kit with integrated exhausts. If you need more proof of the car’s potential, the front brake rotors are only 16.5”. We should all be so fortunate to have brakes larger than most people’s wheels. On the inside, Supersports trades in polished trim for carbon fiber, and a harness bar made for 5-point racing seat belts runs just behind the front seats. Two deeply bolstered seats are all you get, as the area normally used for rear seating on lesser Continentals is a package tray adorned in hand sewn English leather.From what we can tell, this is the only Onyx Supersports on the market. The accentuated body lines are more muscular than Bentley’s conservative styling, and no expense was spared in the build. Once the modifications were complete, the entire car was re-sprayed in the factory black with several coats of clear. The wheels were also sprayed in body color but left in satin for a subtle contrast.The registration shows one previous owner, a Mr. D Vader. We have attempted to contact him, but futile our efforts have been. Since this car has an Escort 9500ci laser & radar jammer, you will be known as E. Vader. Don’t miss this opportunity for the meanest Supersports ever built.View Listing and Buy NowGallery

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