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 – November 09, 2017

New Bentley Race Car is Downright Mean Looking

Bentley's new Continental GT3 race car has been unveiled, and it takes after the newly redesigned Continental road car. This new race car uses a structure that's mostly aluminum, allowing it to weigh in under 2,866 lbs. Under the hood is a redeveloped version of Bentley's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. With a new dry-sump system, new intake system and new exhaust system, the new Continental GT3 has unrestricted power rated at 550 bhp. As for its exterior, it's easy to see the aerodynamic components that give this version of the Continental a racing pedigree and appearance.2018 Bentley Bentayga Mulliner: Price, Specs and Reviews“After four years of success with our Continental GT3, we’re excited to reveal our second-generation car," says Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush. "The new car leaves no area or system untouched in the search for even better performance, and the early test results are promising. The new Continental GT road car has proved to be a great starting point for the development of a new racer, and the engineering development work is true to Bentley’s impeccable standards.”Bentley is currently planning on running two new Continental GT3 race cars in the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup for the 2018 season. Bentley Coupes For Sale

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 – 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 – June 07, 2017

Why the Bentley Continental GT Speed is Amazing

Utilizing a redeveloped version of the Continental’s 6.0-liter twin turbo W12 engine, the GT Speed is capable of 642 hp (a 7 hp increase from last year’s) and 620 lb-ft of torque (14.75 lb-ft increase). With a breath of fresh power, the GT Speed will be able to hit a top speed of 206 mph and rocket from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds (.2 seconds quicker). Along with a revamped engine are a slew of new modifications that make traveling in the car more luxurious than ever before. For a more refined connection to the road, Bentley has modified the steering wheel to have a more sculpted and sporty feeling, which fits the driver’s hands like never before. Additionally, Bentley has also added the option for semi-aniline hide that forms the straight-flute seating.Unveiled along with the GT Speed is the new GT Speed Black Edition. This new variant for Bentley’s fastest is available for both the coupe and convertible styles. What makes the Black Edition special are the high gloss black trimmings on the exterior, carbon fiber trimming in the cabin, contrasting colors on the front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser and contrasting leather that matches the exterior accents. Bentley continues to push their Continental GT Speed to its limit, resulting in a luxurious car that is both lavish and capable. The Continental GT Speed is a prime example of the English automaker’s ability to stay true to their heritage, all while keeping up with modern engineering. PRICE: $240,300ENGINE: 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12HORSEPOWER: 642TORQUE: 620 lb-ft0-60 MPH: 3.9 secondsTOP SPEED: 206 mph

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 Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 19, 2016

Bentley Continental GT: Price, Specs, Review and Photo

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

By Andrew Nabors – December 18, 2015

Blacked-Out Bentley Continental Supersports For Sale

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

By Caitlin Duffy – November 04, 2015

Bentley Continental GT Speed Hits 206 mph in Australian O...

The Stuart Highway is one of three public highways in the world with unrestricted speed zones.It's 1,761 miles long through the Australian outback and runs from Darwin to Port Augusta, dividing the eastern and western sides of the country. And on this road, John Bowe hit 206 mph in a production road car.With 626 bhp created by its 6.0-liter W12, the Bentley Continental GT Speed makes it capable of reaching an insane top speed of 206 mph, which the British marque proved in a YouTube video and press release issued today. They took to a stretch of the Stuart Highway in Australia's Northern Territory, shut it down for a few hours and put a storied Australian racecar driver behind the wheel to show off the Continental GT Speed's prowess.After the Bentley underwent a full safety check, the helicopter took off, cameras started rolling and Bowe hit the gas.“This isn’t a modified racecar; it’s a luxurious grand touring road car fresh off the production line," stated Bowe in the release and video. "It took us a little over a minute to go from a standstill to 206 mph. That’s extraordinary."Check out the photos and video from this run below, then find your own Continental GT from our exclusive listings.Continental GTs For Sale Gallery (via YouTube, Bentley) See More Bentley News

By Caitlin Duffy – October 07, 2015

Bentley Continental GT vs Desert Train Race

It's been 85 years since Captain Woolf Barnato, one of the original Bentley Boys, made a bet and drove from Cannes to London faster than the "Blue Train" Calais-Mediterranée Express, leaving from the same spot, reached the English Channel.This year, modern day Bentley Boy Steven Kane completed his own race against a train, but with some noticeable differences. The Bentley used for the race is much improved over its 1930s counterpart, the train is significantly more powerful and the location of the race is much more extreme.Over the span of 4 hours, 14 minutes, Kane drove through the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, travelling from Riyadh to Damman in a Continental GT V8 S Convertible. As a press release issued today shares, despite traffic and a few obstacles on the road, namely, camels, Kane arrived at his destination just six minutes ahead of the train.Temperatures reached 125 degrees with only 4 percent humidity, but the Continental GT was up for the challenge. Check out the video of his race above, and to learn more about Barnato's original race, check out our April 15 article on the "Blue Train" Mulsanne Speed.Continental GTs For SaleGallery (Source: Bentley, YouTube) See More Bentley News

By Edward Jones – June 30, 2015

Bentley Continental GT Speed Breitling Jet Team Series Li...

Today, Bentley announced a new limited edition model that fuses together performance and luxury: the Continental GT Speed Breitling Jet Team Series.The decision to create these models comes from the Breitling Jet Team performing across the United States and Canada during this summer. To commemorate this tour, Bentley's Mulliner division crafted these luxury automobiles to mimic the stylings of the high-flying jets.(Related: Bentley Bentayga Testing in Sweden)Each car is numbered and corresponds to a specific jet in the fleet. On the carbon fiber panel, an image of the seven planes in their signature "Avenger flight formation" is featured with the corresponding jet highlighting in Breitling Yellow.Other modifications to the cars include hide and thread matched to the Breitling Yellow color, individually numbered tread plates and a series of logos and graphics for the headrests that signify the number of each car and the jet that inspired it.The keys to each car will be handed over to their owner by the pilot of the jet that inspired their specific Bentley. Of course, they only receive those keys after they take a flight in said jet.Only seven of these cars will be created, the same number of Breitling Jets that they take inspiration from.Continentals For SaleGallery (Source: Bentley) More Bentley News

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