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 – October 28, 2019

Bentley Centenary Celebration Continues in Manhattan

Frank Sinatra said it best: "If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere". New York has had a love/hate relationship with the auto industry. That's why all the greats use NYC as a benchmark for success. In keeping with that tradition, the Bentley Centenary Celebration continues in Manhattan. To celebrate 100 years of building exquisite cars, 100 amazing cars converged at Brookfield Place for a Centenary Concours. Five simultaneous parades converged at the foot of Fulton Street to celebrate Bentleys of past, present & future. On display were the new Flying Spur, Bentayga Hybrid, and the EXP 100 GT, a glimpse of the future. A Centenary Grand Ball was open to 350 VIP guests and their cars, making for an experience that has raised the bar for all other marques. Click the link below to see what makes Bentley so amazing, and stay with us for more anniversary updates. Browse All Bentleys For Sale " width="680"> Related: Porsche 919 Hybrid Parades Around NYC Bentley Continental Supersports: Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Edward Jones – September 26, 2019

Bentley Bentayga Hybrid Coming to USA Soon

Bentley is moving closer to a fully electric vehicle with the new Bentayga Hybrid, a model the English automaker is calling the "SUV sector's first true luxury plug-in hybrid." As of now, the Bentayga Hybrid is currently on sale across Europe, giving Europeans a taste of Bentley's electrified abilities. Sales of the Bentayga Hybrid will begin shortly in the first quarter of 2020 with a price of $160,000. As for the specifics of this luxury hybrid SUV, let's dig in quickly. Providing power is a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that's combined with what Bentley is calling an "E Motor." It has a total driving range of 464 miles (80.7 mpg) and an all-electric range of 24.23-miles. You can learn more about the Bentley Bentayga Hybrid here. see all bentaygas for sale

By Edward Jones – September 17, 2019

Bentley Bentayga Stetson Special Edition Debuts in Texas

Bentley Dallas and Stetson have teamed up to create the Bentley Bentayga Stetson Special Edition and the first one has arrived in Texas. The overall vibe of the luxury SUV was created to be a perfect fit for Western Enthusiasts. To do this, each special edition contains a few select options that give it the "Stetson" feel. view bentley dallas inventory On the exterior, a special Stetson badge can be found. As for the finish, customers can pick between these three special colors: "White Sand, to match the “Silverbelly,” color made famous by U.S. Presidents, artists and musicians. The Stetson Open Road has also been worn by Churchill, Bob Dylan and hundreds of other culture setters Dark Cashmere to match the Stetson Boss of the Plains hat, the first Stetson ever sold Onyx, embodying the classic Stetson black 100X El Presidente hat" Inside, a rich leather interior is composed of camel as the main hide, saddle as the secondary hide and burnt oak accents. On the headrests of the seats, the Stetson logo is embroidered in saddle thread. “This partnership speaks to the timelessness of these two famous brands,” says Ken Schnitzer, Chairman of Park Place Dealerships. “The Bentayga’s rugged luxury is a tailor-made match for Stetson’s unsurpassed quality. The Bentayga Stetson Special Edition combines the best of old-world craftsmanship with American history to create a distinctive and memorable motoring experience.” The first special edition that arrived at Bentley Dallas is being offered for $246,578. Ity comes in a white sand exterior with camel hide interior details. There are two more examples coming in October and November. For more information, click the button below to contact Bentley Dallas. view dealer info

By Andrew Nabors – April 03, 2019

Bentley Unveils Bentayga V8 Design Series

If you demand the best from your luxury SUV, Bentley has unveiled the Bentayga V8 Design Series. Starting with new wheels, the Palladium Grey color was specified by their Mulliner custom division. Floating center caps keep the company's logo vertical at all times. The Blackline package is also standard. It replaces every piece of chrome or stainless with gloss black trim. Another custom touch is a body color lower front bumper. Inside, Mulliner has developed a new Duotone leather interior. In addition to the Beluga black main surfaces, you can choose from Pillar Box Red, Orange, Mulliner White, and Klein Blue. An elegant carbon fiber dash is adorned with a unique Breitling clock. With a face made from Mother of Pearl, it also includes several diamonds as a finishing touch. The drivetrain is unchanged, with the twin turbo 4.0L V8 sending 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. July 10th is the 100th anniversary for Bentley, so expect to see more unique offerings as the event approaches. Our dealers have all the info, so click the link below to find a Bentayga near you. View All Bentley Bentayga For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – February 15, 2019

New 2020 Bentley Bentayga Speed is Here: "World's Fastest...

The new 2020 Bentley Bentayga Speed is here and the English automaker is touting it as the "world's fastest production SUV." Bentley pushed the top speed of the new Bentayga Speed up to 190 mph (306 kph), which is 3 mph faster than the standard Bentayga and 0.6 smph faster than the Lamborghini Urus. Now that's a close call. Under the hood of the new 2020 Bentayga Speed is an "enhanced" version of Bentley's 6.0-liter W12 engine. Power from this engine is rated at 626 bhp and 664 lb-ft of torque. Bentley notes that their new SUV will run 0 to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds. Aiding the Bentayga Speed's pursuit of acceleration is a quick eight-speed transmission that sends power through the all-wheel-drive system. Each Bentayga Speed comes with an Electronic Differential Lock and up to eight Drive Dynamic Modes. Within these modes are four meant for the road, ranging from Comfort to Sport. Many tend to overlook one of the most important parts of a car in press releases, the brakes, but Bentley sure didn't. In fact, they note that they have fitted the Bentayga Speed with their largest and most powerful brakes ever. These ceramic brakes have a maximum braking torque of 6,000 nm, can withstand temperatures of up to 1,832 °F and save 44 lbs when compared to iron brakes. Bentley Bentayga Speed Photo: James Lipman / jameslipman.com As with all Bentleys, the new 2020 Bentayga Speed can be personalized to the customer's liking thanks to a slew of exclusive options. these include carbon ceramic brakes, carbon fascia panels, rear-seat entertainment, mood lighting, 22-way adjustable front seats w/ massaging and more. There have been no announcement of the 2019 Bentley Bentayga Speed's price, but expect it to be over the standard Bentayga's MSRP of $195,000. see all bentley bentaygas for sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 25, 2018

Bentley Bentayga Breaks SUV Record At Pike's Peak

Every type of automobile is welcomed to participate at the Pike's Peak hill climb. We thought Bentley would bring a Supersports version of their new Continental, but instead, they arrived with a Bentayga. Turning to one of the masters of the mountain, none other than Rhys Millen was chosen for this daunting ascent.He would be at the helm of a 600 horsepower W12 with 664 lb-ft of torque. The adaptive air suspension has multiple chambers at each corner for a smooth ride. To keep it level, the sway bars are coupled to a 48-volt roll-control system. Carbon ceramic brakes kept the big SUV from going over the edge, and only a few small changes had to be made in order to compete.The front seats were replaced with racing buckets, and the rear seats were removed. A fire suppression system and Akrapovic exhaust were the only other changes. Rhys had this to say: "What an incredible machine. To take a luxury SUV with minimal modifications and be able to drive up this course in under 11 minutes is a huge testament to the performance and level of engineering in the Bentayga. I had a great run – the car was planted all the way up and gave me the confidence I needed to push hard. I’m delighted to take the SUV record for Bentley and for everyone that’s been involved in this project.”His record time of 10.49.9 is almost 2 minutes faster than the previous SUV record. At an average speed of 66.5 mph, it pushes SUV performance to a new level. To commemorate the win, Bentley is building 10 Pike's Peak Editions. Mulliner is finishing them in Beluga Black or Radium, with 22" two-tone wheels. The black specification is also standard, replacing all chrome with gloss black. Inside is Key Lime with Beluga Alcantara, making it the most unique Bentayga to date. Bentley Bentayga For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 27, 2018

Rhys Millen Racing Pikes Peak Bentayga

The Pikes Peak master Rhys Millen is taking his expertise to the 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with a Bentley Bentayga. Millen will be attempting to break the production SUV record of 12:35.61. In order to accomplish this, he'll have to hold an average minimum speed of 60 mph around the 156-corner stretch of road that is more than treacherous.The Bentayga he will be driving was prepared by Bentley's motorsports division. It's pretty close to the production model but has a full roll cage, fire suppression system, racing seats and harnesses, and Akrapovic exhaust. Everything else? Bone stock.New Rolls-Royce 'Wraith Luminary Collection' with Shooting Star Headliner“The opportunity to race with Bentley at Pikes Peak is one that I couldn’t pass up," said Millen. "I visited the Bentley factory in Crewe, England last month and was amazed at the level of skill that goes in to handcrafting these cars. I also had the chance to drive the race-prepared car for the first time and was blown away by the performance that’s already available. I’m really looking forward to preparing for the race, competing on the mountain with Bentley and hopefully claiming a new SUV record.”

By Andrew Nabors – January 12, 2018

Bentley Unveils New V8 Bentayga

You can't deny the power and smoothness of Bentley's W12 engine. It has been found across their lineup for years, thanks to a solid foundation that harkens back to the Jetta VR6. Having twelve cylinders at your command is nice to have, but it might send the wrong impression to others. That's why Bentley has bestowed the new Bentayga with a 4.0-liter twin turbo V8.Using the same formula that worked so well in the Continental GT, V8 editions of the Bentayga will arrive with blacked out bodywork and carbon fiber interior trim. I had reservations about how the GT would respond with 4 fewer cylinders. Los Gatos Luxury Cars allowed me to drive one for a day, and the V8 gets on power with a quickness. On paper, it has less power, but the lighter crank and rods love to spin up from an idle.STARTECH Bentayga Built – First of its Kind in North AmericaThe press release earlier this morning rates the Bentayga V8 at 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the W12, it has 38 less horsepower and 94 lb-ft fewer torques. You would be hard-pressed to notice a difference unless you are land-speed racing. Bentley has you covered there also. The V8 is the first Bentayga to offer ceramic brakes. The largest brakes ever offered on a production car, the fronts are 17.3" with 14.5" on the rear!Hiding under front calipers are no less than 10 pistons, this one option will make many choose the smaller motor. Other differences include a wood-trimmed steering wheel along with a new shade of leather named "Cricket Ball". Buyers also have 11 wheels to choose from, the most we've seen from any luxury manufacturer. Our dealers have more info, so click the link below and have a great weekend!Browse Bentley Bentaygas For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 27, 2017

New Bentley is the Hunter's Dream Ride

Bentley and Purdey, a shotgun manufacturer, have collaborated for a new Bentayga SUV that has the hunter in mind. Purdey and Bentley share the ability for customers to customize their purchases, whether it's a shotgun or a luxury vehicle. As for what makes this one-off SUV special, that can all be found in the trunk. A storage unit in the rear houses drawers that can hold ammo, drinks, binoculars, the necessary protective wear for shooting, and a humidor. What's more, there's space between the rear seats for a leather case that holds two guns. Okay, so I can't imagine you'd be taking this Bentley out for a hunter expedition out into the thick of the wilderness. But, if you were, at least you'd have a humidor to hold your cigars for smoking after a successful hunt.New Bentley Race Car is Downright Mean Looking

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.

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