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 – December 13, 2021

Bentley Bentayga's Night Vision Is On a North Pole Mission

The Bentayga’s Night Vision system is put to the test as it’s tasked to find a certain missing reindeer. One of Bentley’s most important clients is set to travel all around the world in just one night, and it’s going to be very soon. There’s a bit of a hangup, however, as one of the reindeer meant to embark on this tour has gone missing. With the Night Vision system that nearly two-thirds of Bentley Bentayga orders are optioned to have, the search is on. Bentley’s Night Vision system operates using an infrared imager that can detect things that are nearly 460 feet ahead with 24 degrees of horizontal range extending beyond the front of the car. And to keep the imager clean and effective, it comes with its own washer to protect it from the elements. The system then displays the image that it finds on the Bentayga’s display unit, and in the event that it detects an animal coming too close, the brake master cylinder is prefilled for a quick stop and avoided collision. With Night Vision-equipped Bentaygas all over the world on the search for the missing reindeer and its remarkably shiny red nose, Bentley and their customers are sure to save the holiday season in no time. If you want to join in on the search, have a look at the Bentaygas available for sale on the duPont REGISTRY below. Bentley Bentaygas For Sale Source: Bentley Motors

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 09, 2021

Bentley Motors Adds Four New 21" Winter Wheel Packages

The winter wheel package offers the simplest method to swap between summer and winter tires. As the winter months begin to approach, luxury and supercar owners are looking to hang up the keys until the next time temperatures start to rise. For Bentley owners, the enjoyment of a luxury driving experience is continued as the fleet of vehicles are prepped to take on whatever winter challenges are thrown their way. Bentley is proud to announce four new 21-inch winter wheel packages available for the Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, Flying Spur, and Bentayga. The wheel packages provide the simplest method for swapping between summer and winter tires and help to prolong tire wear while used in their optimum conditions. MUST-READ: Makes And Movements: Ernst Benz Chronoscope x Bentley Continental GT Speed Winter tires are far more effective than summers tires in low temperatures (below 45°F) and ensure maximum available traction and performance on the cold tarmac, snow, and ice. Achieving maximum traction and performance of winter tire designs are dependent on tread pattern, block and groove compound, and tire compound. Bentley’s Pirelli winter tires have been designed specifically to ensure that the car achieves as much traction as possible during the cold winter months and provide a comparable experience to driving on a dry and warm day. View all current Bentley models available for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bentley For Sale Source: Bentley Media

By Edward Jones – October 25, 2021

New Bentley Bentayga Speed Russian Ballet-Themed Collecti...

All six cars in the collection have already been sold. We recently covered Bentley Mulliner's yachting-themed collection, and now we're back again with yet another bespoke collection. This time, however, it's all about Russian ballet. The new Mulliner collection is the first of the Russian Heritage Editions which Bentley describes as an "annual project to create exclusive thematic versions especially for Russian customers." Each of the examples within the collection is based on the Bentayga Speed and has a different paint finish, and there are also three vehicles that have a duo-tone finish. Inside, there are four main features that make this collection very unique. This includes the bespoke interior split, unique contrast stitching, bespoke ballet embroidery, and a ballet overlay on the passenger fascia. Below is a breakdown of each of the six different examples in the collection, according to Bentley: Windsor Blue over Light Windsor Blue - Twine and Imperial Blue leather combined with Liquid Amber Veneer Silver Storm over Damson – Autumn and Damson leather combined with Koa Veneer Moonbeam over Moroccan Blue – Twine and Imperial Blue leather combined with Liquid Amber Veneer Damson – Autumn and Damson leather combined with Koa Veneer Spectre - Cashew and Burnt Oak leather combined with Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus Veneer Magnolia – Shortbread and Cricketball leather combined with Grand Black Veneer All Bentaygas For Sale Source: Bentley Motors

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 26, 2021

Bentley Mulliner Unveils A New 22-Inch Carbon Fiber Wheel...

The sport-driven Bentley Bentayga just got sportier with a new set of wheels. As luxury SUV models continue to get more versatile, examples like the Bentley Bentayga incorporate the functionality of a full-size vehicle with the styling and performance of a modern-day supercar. Bentley is proud to announce the newest performance option for the Bentayga, a set of 22-inch carbon fiber wheels developed by the professionals at Mulliner. The most apparent feature of the new wheel option is its sleek new design and 13-pound weight savings per wheel. Each set provides safety and reliability aspects for the Bentley Bentayga. MUST-READ: 1000th Bespoke Bentley Mulliner Commission Unveiled The tight cross-weave of the carbon fiber structure minimizes dispersing air loss and reduces tire wear due to the stiffness of the wheel. The Bentayga's performance also receives an increase in steering agility and more responsive braking with the new lightweight design. The new 22-inch carbon fiber wheel is the perfect complement to Bentley’s existing carbon fiber products. Including the highly sought-after Styling Specification, which adds a carbon front splitter, sill extensions, and rear diffuser, to the Bentayga, and the option of high gloss carbon fiber veneer to the interior. The all-new carbon fiber wheel option from Bentley Mulliner will be available to order in late 2021. Click the link below to view all Bentley Bentayga examples for sale through duPont REGISTRY. View All Bentley Bentayga For Sale Media/Info Source: Bentley

By Edward Jones – May 25, 2021

Bentley Bentayga S Revealed: More Agile Than Ever

The Bentayga S introduces better agility for the luxury SUV model. Bentley Motors has just introduced the new Bentayga S, a stunning luxury SUV that builds upon an already fantastic model. Powering the new model is Bentley's twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, which produces 542 bhp and 568 lb-ft of torque. That's enough to launch the Bentayga S from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Bentley also notes that the Bentayga S has a range of 406 miles, which is plenty of mileage for most. To make the Bentayga S more agile, Bentley added in a few optimizations, like the Bentley Dynamic Ride being included as standard, an enhanced SPORT mode, and the recalibration of the Torque Vectoring by Brake system. Defining the Bentayga S and its appearance are its new black exterior brightware, black door mirrors, black-painted side sills, dark-tinted headlights and taillights, high-gloss black bumper grilles, and a larger rear spoiler. There are also new 22-inch wheels that are available in silver (standard), full gloss black (optional), and bright polished (optional). Inside is a new fluted seat design that customers can pick for the four, five and seven seat configurations. Even guests inside will know the significance of the model thanks to the embroidered 'S' motif on the seat backrests. A release date or pricing has not been announced as of yet. See All Bentaygas For Sale Source: Bentley Motors

By Andrew Nabors – March 04, 2021

Bentley Bentayga Offers New Options From Mulliner

Being able to meet and surpass customer expectations is why they remain on top. You could compromise with a SUV that meets most of your needs, or be happy that the Bentley Bentayga offers new options from Mulliner. Their custom shop has never denied a request, and that has expanded the availability of leather, wood, and wheels in their Personal Commissioning Guide. Even without tapping Mulliner for your build, the regular production options can build over a billion possible configurations. Now you will have 27 choices for hides and over 100 painted veneers. Exterior colors were expanded by adding 26 new possibilities while retaining the ability to match anything your heart desires. Personalization has been expanded from the sill plates onto the floormats, seats, and the passenger's dashboard. Even the puddle lamps can display an image, graphics, or a logo on the ground in laser-sharp detail. The same process can etch your key fobs with an image or literally anything you want to display. While this process features the latest in CNC work, the artisans still need 44 hours to stich your interior by hand. No other manufacturer comes close to these abilities, so click the button to learn more from our dealers. Shop Bentley Bentayga Images (C) Bentley Motors

By Andrew Nabors – February 22, 2021

Bentley Begins Research On Sustainable Electric Motors

From power windows to vent fans, cars require a way to transform voltage into motion. Because efficiency requires the use of rare-earth magnets, Bentley has begun research on sustainable electric motors. It is an initiative from the Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles involving six leading brands across the U.K. With a target of 2026, they have three years to solve a complex problem. Not only building a motor with less dependence on rare metals, but the other goal is also to clean up and streamline the recycling process from the junkyard back to the manufacturer. RaRE is the rare-earth recycling for E-machines, and it will allow manufacturers to re-purpose older metals while lessening the dependence on mining. If you want to experience how batteries and Bentleys complement each other, the Bentayga Hybrid has your name on it. So stay with us for all your Bentley news. Bentley For Sale Image (C) Bentley Motors

By Andrew Nabors – January 11, 2021

2021 Bentley Bentayga V8 Wins Luxury SUV Of The Year

Leaving the pavement for parts unknown doesn't mean sacrificing quality or comfort. That is why the 2021 Bentley Bentayga V8 has won the Luxury SUV of the year. Our peers at 4x4 Magazine push every 4WD through demanding circumstances and tough trails. 2021 Aston Martin DBX vs 2021 Bentley Bentayga Sponsored by BFGoodrich, a new Bentayga for sale easily conquered water almost 2 ft. deep, and switchbacks with inclines of 35 degrees. The 4WD system uses the brakes to clamp any spinning wheel, sending power to where it counts. You will have a meaty 568 lb-ft of torque at only 1,900 rpm, and 542 horsepower at your command. Along with the new Bentayga Hybrid, you will rest assured you have a capable and comfortable 4WD. Browse Bentley Bentayga For Sale Images (C) Bentley Motors.

By Andrew Nabors – January 05, 2021

Fast Financials 2020 Q4: Bentley's Best Year Yet

Enduring a shutdown for seven weeks can be insurmountable to small automakers. But in our latest Fast Financials recap for 2020 Q4, we see Bentley's best year yet. The British brand devoted to luxury and customer satisfaction is rolling into its 102nd year with high hopes. That's because they delivered 11,206 cars last year. Here is the breakdown by model: Continental GT Coupe: 24% Continental GT Convertible: 15% Bentayga: 37% Flying Spur: 24% Even with the shutdown followed by a lockdown of the U.K., sales were 2% stronger than in 2019. Using the downtime to improve their headquarters, logistics and manufacturing were streamlined. The new Bentayga Hybrid is the cornerstone of their "Beyond 100" plan, which aims for a completely electric lineup by 2030. While the profit and cash flow details are heavily guarded, you can't deny that Bentley offers amazing automobiles. Click the button to experience one for yourself. Browse Bentley For Sale Image (C) Bentley Motors

By Edward Jones – January 04, 2021

Updated 2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid Revealed

The new 2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid and all of its updates have been revealed. As part of Bentley's Beyond100 strategy, the new luxury hybrid SUV includes the automaker's latest design cues and a bevy of updated technology. First things first, the hybrid powertrain consists of an electric motor mated to a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V7 engine. Together, they provide a combined 443 bhp and 516 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain also boasts a combined range of 536 miles and 31 miles of pure electric range. Now onto some of the notable updates. First up is the new 10.9-inch screen that displays the infotainment. This screen features an edge-to-edge display with high-resolution graphics. Within the infotainment center, owners can take advantage of the embedded SIM, meaning the SUV won't rely on the data from their mobile device. As far as aesthetics go, the exterior has been redesigned with a more "modern" look while the interior also has a reimagined design that now includes dark tint diamond brushed aluminum trim for the first time. The new 2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid is the first of two new hybrid Bentleys to be released this year, so keep your eye out for what's next. See All Bentaygas For Sale

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