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 Edward Jones – August 30, 2017

Bentley Motors Unveils New Continental GT Generation

Bentley Motors has pulled back the sheets on the third generation of their famed Continental GT model. Its engine, exterior, and interior have all been revised, making the car an all-new model.For power, the new Continental GT relies on an enhanced version of Bentley's twin-turbo W12 engine. This engine is paired with a dual-clutch-speed transmission, which handles the power rated at 626 bhp and 664 lb-ft of torque. Bentley states the new model will run 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 207 mph. Bentley Unveils the Galene Edition by MullinerInside the new Continental GT the 12.3-inch touchscreen is the star. Designed with an interface similar to that of a phone, this system is easy to navigate through. Also, the instrument panel is entirely digital, which is actually a first for Bentley.

By Andrew Nabors – August 15, 2017

Bentley is Bringing 3 New Cars To Monterey

This week will be filled with glitz and glamour from the Monterey Peninsula, with the culmination happening this Sunday at Pebble Beach. It is the perfect place to appeal to luxury enthusiasts, so Bentley is about to throw down. A trio of new models blends a dash of concept along with their most exclusive production cars. First up will be the coupe version of the new Continental Supersports. It's no surprise a hardtop version was in the works. We were allowed to play with a prototype at the St Petersburg Festival of Speed, and it was quite delightful. Building the world's fastest 4-seat car, Bentley has revised their W12 engine inside and out and pumped up the boost. Twin turbos are used to make 700 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque. The AWD system launches the 2.5-ton coupe to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 209 mph. Close attention to detail is evident in the styling. You know it's a Continental at 100 yards away, and as it approaches you will be at a loss for words. Next up will be three flavors of the Bentayga SUV. A model that disturbed the ranks of its competitors, the Bentayga is a twelve cylinder statement of refinement and comfort that is unparalleled in the 4WD world. Their in-house customizers at Mulliner have no limits to bespoke builds, and their creations involve everything from Falconry to Fly Fishing. To show off their talents, the three versions are Black, Activity, and an eponymous Mulliner edition. Each one will have its own theme and will have a handcrafted interior of metal, wood, and leather. They will be shown along with the Continental and several historic examples at "The Home Of Bentley". The pavilion includes a design studio and it is located next to the lodge. The most shocking news is a prototype that will be shown on the Concept Lawn in front of the Lodge. Bentley's view of the future is the EXP 12 Speed 6e. An electric car built from sustainable materials, it is Bentley's entry into the battery powered battlefield, and it looks to be ready to fight. A full-length center console bisects the cockpit, with interior features mirror-imaged on each side. We can see traces of Continental and Bentayga in the controls along with a futuristic steering wheel. A convertible luxury car with suicide doors? This is sure to put England's other luxury marque on notice. If it comes to production it will be unrivaled in the electric car marketplace. Stay with us for complete coverage of the event and all your Bentley news.

By Edward Jones – July 31, 2017

The Dark Side: Bentley Flying Spur V8 S Black Edition

Bentley Motors has added a Dark Knight to their lineup with the revealing of the new Flying Spur V8 S Black Edition. This new model features a slew of dark aesthetics, as well as a more potent engine.On the exterior, the new Bentley's headlights and tail lights now have a dark tint with black bezels, something many add to their car as an option or have it done via aftermarket options. In addition, a black gloss finish is found on the headlight washer caps, door handle inserts, window surround, radiator surround, and 21-inch seven-spoke wheels. Related - On-Demand Bentley Service Delivers Luxury Cars Right to YouInside, the dark tones continue, as suspected. The entirety of the cabin is black, including the seats, carpets, dashboard, and just about every other surface. The only contrasting tones are found in the stitching and headliner bow. Customers can also have their Flying Spur V8 S Black Edition commissioned with the Mulliner Driving Specification. This spec will add diamond-quilted hides for the seat and door panels, and two new choices for wheels.As I mentioned before, the 4.0-liter V8 engine has been upgraded in the new Flying Spur V8 S models. Now, the engine produces 521 bhp and 502 lb-ft of torque. This power will propel the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and to a top speed of 190 mph.

By Andrew Nabors – July 24, 2017

Bentley Unveils the Galene Edition by Mulliner

Luxury cars and luxury boats are usually seen in close proximity here in Florida. Usually, a person who is able to afford a yacht will also have a few nice rides, so Bentley saw an opportunity. Turning to their customizers at Mulliner, a new Continental GT convertible is making waves. The Galene Edition is named after the Greek Goddess of calm seas, and it introduces a new wood option for the brand. Pinstripe Walnut adorns the interior with an open pore finish. It is seen on the center console and throughout the interior, and it makes the trunk too beautiful to use.Also, Check Out Why The Bentley GT Speed Is AmazingGlacier white and sequin blue are recurring contrasts that evoke notions of an oceanic lifestyle and aquatic elegance. The team at Mulliner chose to partner with Princess Yachts, the leader in English pleasure craft. Only 30 examples will be produced, and each one will have a hand painted illustration by Spanish artist Jaume Vilardell on the dashboard. The leather is a brilliant contrast of Linen and Portland, with hand stitched camel embroidery. All cars will be powered by the GT's 4.0 liter V8 which makes 507 metric horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque. No mention was made of an allotment for US dealers, but our dealers have several Bentley Continentals for sale.

By Andrew Nabors – May 19, 2017

New Bentley Bentayga is Built for Falconry

My formal education did not involve birds of prey, but humans have been training birds for millennia. Bentley enjoys catering to their diverse customer base, and the Bentayga is the perfect starting point. The previous sporting model was equipped for fly fishing by Mulliner, their in-house custom shop. Highly specialized sports require attention to detail, so Mulliner was once again called upon to work their magic. Starting at the front, the dash features a beautiful desert scene comprised of 430 pieces of wood. Although it has a thirsty twin turbo twelve-cylinder under the hood, Bentley has developed natural cork fabric as a sustainable interior accent.Hotspur red leather is the main upholstery for the passengers. In the back are two hard cases trimmed in cork fabric. The master flight station has a piano black drawer embossed with a Falcon logo. Next to it is a refreshment case in the same materials. It has two flasks, cups, a blanket, and refreshing face wipes. Under those is a leather storage box for binoculars and GPS falcon tracker along with the optional leather bird hoods and gauntlets. The in-car perch is standard equipment so your feathered friend has somewhere to sit. As soon as pricing is released we will let you know. In the meantime get your head out of the clouds and check out these new Bentley Bentaygas for sale.Bentley Falconry by Mulliner

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

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 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

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