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 – September 26, 2023

Bentley Announces New Features & Expanded Bentayga Range

Bentley expands the horizons for its ultra-luxe SUV. The Bentley Bentayga has always been a head-turner, a perfect melding of luxury and performance in an SUV package. But just when you thought the upper echelons of auto engineering couldn't go any higher, Bentley drops a bombshell. A slew of jaw-dropping new features has just been announced for their Bentayga range, making it even more irresistible to those who seek the pinnacle of SUV comfort, luxury, and indulgence. For those who appreciate the Bentayga's already impressive visual aesthetics, you'll be thrilled to hear that Bentley has introduced a host of new exterior colors, including seven new satin paints that provide a sleek and modern matte finish. In addition, an all-new 21-inch multi-spoke wheel option is now available in three distinct finishes. This new wheel style doesn't just add flair; it adds a sophisticated polish that's particularly befitting of luxury-focused models. The introduction of Electronic All Wheel Steering across the Bentayga lineup is a game-changer. While standard on the Azure and ‘S’ models, it's optional for the rest, but what it brings to the table is extraordinary: a 7% reduction in turning radius at slow speeds, making urban maneuverability a breeze. But this system isn't just about tight corners. At higher speeds, the rear wheels make subtle adjustments in tandem with the front, ensuring confidence during lane changes and sweeping bends. Now, if you've ever thought about how a seat could contribute to your well-being, the Bentayga has you covered. The new postural adjustment system, developed in collaboration with a chiropractor, constantly adjusts to ensure the occupant’s comfort over long drives. This world-leading technology is now an optional feature for all standard wheelbase Bentaygas, echoing the revolutionary Airline Seat that was introduced with the extended wheelbase Bentayga model. Adding to the luxury, safety, and convenience alike, Bentley has also amped up driver assistance tech with Intelligent Park Assist, 3D Surround View, and Emergency Assist among others. To give the driver a complete overview, the instrument panel now offers real-time visualizations of the road ahead. The new standard cabin carpeting made from 100% recycled nylon indicates Bentley's attention to sustainability without compromising on luxury, while delivering the same comfort level as carpets made from newly produced nylon. The new deep pile overmats in the Azure and A models, which are available as an option otherwise, are pure wool, providing a feel that can only be termed as heavenly. And speaking of luxury, the introduction of 'Bang & Olufsen for Bentley' takes the in-cabin audio experience to sublime new levels, featuring Bang & Olufsen's signature speaker grille design, as well as sound modes that cater to different moods and correspond with different colors. Come September, Bentley will be introducing a new model labeled simply as 'A'. It serves as a stepping stone into the ultra-luxury realm for those who are eyeing the Azure but want a taste of Bentley's opulence first. It features a simplified color palette, but standard features include massage seats, seat heating and ventilation, and a choice between three open-pore veneers. The Bentley Bentayga was already a towering presence in the luxury SUV market, and these new features only serve to solidify its position. Whether you prioritize driving dynamics, in-cabin comfort, or simply want to make a statement, the upgraded Bentayga range has got something for everyone. In the ever-competitive arena of luxury SUVs, Bentley continues to raise the bar yet again with the excellent Bentayga. View All Bentley Bentaygas For Sale Image Source: Bentley

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 21, 2023

Bentley Bucharest Celebrates a Decade of Luxury Car Excel...

Bentley celebrates 10 years of presence in Romania's capital. In the heart of Romania's capital city: Bucharest, on the upscale Pipera Boulevard, Bentley Bucuresti is toasting to a successful ten years in the automotive luxury segment. The timing is as impeccable as the cars it showcases; Bentley Motors itself is riding high on robust half-year performance figures and a pivot towards sustainable luxury. For a decade now, Bentley Bucuresti has been a symbol of opulence, becoming a go-to destination for Bentley enthusiasts and buyers in Romania. The 4,300-square-foot showroom is an epitome of elegance. With its transparent glass façade, it serves as the perfect backdrop to Bentley’s meticulously handcrafted models. But it isn't just the cars that are state-of-the-art; the showroom is paired with an advanced workshop, covering a total area of 6,458 square feet. From pre-sales to after-sales service, Bentley Bucuresti ensures a holistic experience that matches the level of sophistication Bentley is globally recognized for. This anniversary dovetails beautifully with Bentley Motors’ strategic focus, with both Bentley Bucuresti and Bentley as a whole entering a new era. As part of its Beyond100 strategy, Bentley aims to establish itself as a leader in luxury sustainable mobility. The brand has been at the forefront of eco-friendly initiatives, becoming the first automotive factory in the UK to be certified carbon neutral by the Carbon Trust in 2018. Among its sustainability features are water recycling systems in the paint shop, renewable-only electricity sources, and solar panels that generate up to 75% of Bentley's daytime electricity requirements. Alin Tapalaga, the General Manager of Bentley Bucuresti, couldn't be happier with the dealership’s performance over the years. "We've seen an increasingly strong interest in Bentley, an iconic British marque in every respect," he says. The Romanian capital has warmly welcomed the blend of traditional British craftsmanship with innovative sustainable technologies, becoming an integral market for Bentley in Europe. Balazs Rooz, Regional Director of Bentley Motors Europe, marks this anniversary as a significant moment in Bentley’s European operations. According to him, Bentley Bucuresti's opening was "a key milestone for the brand in Romania and part of a major expansion of the Bentley network across Europe." What makes this occasion even more noteworthy is Bentley’s announced transition towards an electrified range by 2024, taking the luxury car brand into the future without leaving its distinguished heritage behind. As Bentley Bucuresti celebrates this decade-long partnership, it's clear that the journey is far from over. With robust sales, a committed focus on sustainability, and a series of innovations waiting in the wings, Bentley Bucuresti and Bentley Motors are accelerating full-throttle into a new era of luxury automotive excellence. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley Motors

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 20, 2023

The New Bentley 6-in-1 Mulliner-Inspired Tricycle: Luxury...

Bentley Motors releases a 6-in-1 Mulliner Tricycle, designed for style, safety, and growth. It's no secret that most car enthusiasts acquired the love of all things automotive from a young age, whether it was a poster car on the wall or an old collector car kept in the family. Bentley Motors is contirbuting to the cause by unveiling its all-new Mulliner-inspired 6-in-1 Trike, a unique offering that blends comfort, safety, and the signature style of Bentley's luxurious Mulliner cars. Designed to grow with your child, the automotive-inspired trike offers a list of premium features, including a specialized seat with soft inserts to provide extra comfort. Resembling Mulliner’s iconic diamond-in-diamond quilting, the seat comes with a stitched Bentley badge on its soft headrest. The tricycle's air-pumped wheels are straight out of the Mulliner playbook, complete with a Bentley logo and ‘Bentley Mulliner’ wording around the wheel-center cap. Other luxurious touches include a chrome emblem on the hood, a quilted push handle bag, and a unique White Sand color option. Designed to transform with age and size, the trike offers adjustable seating configurations and a detachable push handle. It's perfect for children aged six months to five years, allowing parent-facing stroller mode for infants and transitioning to full trike mode. Additional perks include a retractable sun canopy and a rear storage basket. Bentley's Mulliner-inspired 6-in-1 Trike provides a stylish journey for your little one from infancy through childhood. The all-new Bentley Mulliner-inspired 6-in-1 Trike is currently available for $499 by clicking the link below. Shop The Bentley Mulliner Trike Source: Bentley Motors