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 – January 14, 2020

Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition Is a "Goodbye" for the Sedan

Bentley Motors is sending off the Mulsanne is a very limited and final edition called the Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner. Only 30 examples of this Bentley sedan will be created, but it will be a hot ticket as it's the model's swan song. Replacing the Mulsanne as the automaker's flagship model will be the Flying Spur. What makes the Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner stand out are features found both inside and outside the sedan. On the outside is gloss black brightware and whatever paint the customer chooses. Unique 6.75 Edition motif can be found on the seats, as exterior badges and even the LED Welcome Lamps project the motif. The engine bay also features a black intake manifold instead of the standard silver. On the dashboard, the faces of the clock and minor gauges show schematic cutaway drawings of the engine. SEE ALL BENTLEY MULSANNES FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – January 08, 2020

Bentley Announces New Certified Pre-Owned Program

Bentley has just announced a new program that will give pre-owned buyers peace of mind when purchasing a car. Called "Certified by Bentley," this program will bring pre-owned Bentleys up to their best condition possible through a thorough checklist. Each Certified by Bentley car will be completely serviced with genuine parts, ensuring they are ready for a new life with a new owner. Bentley will also provide the owners of certified cars with a 12-month warranty. To signify that each pre-owned Bentley has been certified, they will include a certificate of authenticity. "When a customer selects a Certified by Bentley car, they are making an investment in a brand that has always crafted extraordinary vehicles," said Mark Keeping, Head of Pre-Owned at Bentley Motors. "The exceptional quality of every car, means that whether new or Certified by Bentley, owning a Bentley is a wise decision." SEE ALL BENTLEYS FOR SALE

By Andrew Nabors – January 02, 2020

Bentley's Diamond Stitching Surges in Popularity

Quilted leather is unparalleled in looks and comfort. While one or two rows of stitching is pleasing, Bentley's Diamond Stitching has surged in popularity. Their rivals recently revealed a Phantom with over a million stitches, so Bentley's Mulliner custom shop has responded in an exquisite manner. Developed for the new Continental GT series, they have stitched a diamond inside a diamond. Each one requires no-less than 712 stitches each, and the trained eyes and hands of a master craftsperson. Browse All Bentley Continental GT For Sale No ordinary sewing machine was up to the task, so a new CNC mill was built for this task only. In a press release yesterday, this pattern is also being extended to the Flying Spur, and your local dealer has all the details. Click the button above to find a new Continental GT near you and stay with us for all your Bentley news. " width="680"> Related: Bentley Continental Supersports: Price, Specs, & Review

By Andrew Nabors – December 03, 2019

Bentley Continental GT Pike's Peak Limited to 15 Examples

What does it take to conquer the world's most brutal hill climb? According to the record books, you need twelve cylinders and two turbochargers. To celebrate being the fastest production car up the mountain, the Bentley Continental GT Pike's Peak is limited to 15 examples. Each car will receive bespoke carbon fiber accents and Radium paint by Mulliner. The same livery used on the race car also includes gloss black accents and green calipers. An optional "100 Grille" celebrates 2019 as their centenary year, and the celebration continues inside. References to the record time of 10:18.488 can be seen in graphics and in stitching, with a map of the track embossed on the dash. What is not optional is the 12-cylinder hammer under the hood. Browse All Bentley Continental GT For Sale It sends 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. If you want to join the celebration, click the button above to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Bentley news. " width="680"> Related: Bentley Continental Supersports: Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – December 02, 2019

2020 Bentley Flying Spur Offers 2,200 Watts of Naim Audio

Silence is golden, and that is why Bentley builds incredibly quiet interiors. The best feature of such a well-insulated cabin is that it makes a perfect sound stage for your music. Sure, they could have used four speakers at 100 watts and called it a day. But they chose a path uncharted by any automaker. That is why your 2020 Bentley Flying Spur offers 2,200 watts of Naim audio. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of their partnership, Naim For Bentley has raised the bar for factory systems. No less than 21 speakers include Active Bass Transducers and 8 DSP sound modes. Browse All Bentley For Sale If your home audio needs an upgrade, the press release also includes the introduction of a new wireless home system. The Mu-So is a 450-watt speaker with six drivers. It uses a 32-bit processor to upconvert low-fidelity inputs and transform them into masterpieces. Our Bentley dealers have great Holliday incentives, so click the button above and stay with us for all your Bentley news. Related: Bentley Flying Spur Unveiled With Augmented Reality Bentley Flying Spur W12 S: Price, Specs, & Review

By Edward Jones – November 08, 2019

Bentley Continental GT Convertible Gets Tweed Roof

Walking out of your house and into your car, you're rocking a tweed suit or dress. Why? Because tweed is a timeless material that's incredibly stylish. But as you look at your car, smile because it matches you and that's all thanks to the new roof for the Bentley Continental GT Convertible. "We wanted to create something that hadn’t been done before and we had never seen a Tweed effect hood (roof)," says Cathy Bass, Colour and Trim designer at Bentley Motors. "We felt confident that tailoring and heritage fabrics would become a significant trend with longevity, and we decided that was the right direction to pursue." Bentley has selected two colors in combination for the tweed roof which they say will harmonize with the exterior paint palette for the Continental GT Convertible. The color is a perfect blend between dark brown and cream that's perfect for the material. SEE ALL BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT'S FOR SALE

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 Andrew Nabors – October 23, 2019

Bentley Apprentices Rebuild 1923 Engine

Before you go trying to rebuild your engine, take a look at what Bentley has accomplished. Engine # 212 was originally installed in Chassis 209 before heading to a coachbuilder for a custom body. As part of their 100th anniversary, Bentley Apprentices rebuilt the 1923 engine, It has been on display at the Royal Artillery School for 70 years, so it needed almost everything. Pistons, rods, valves, and the crank were either polished or replaced, and the head was decked with modern CNC machines. Browse Bentleys For Sale Learning to pour babbitt bearings and fitting new piston rings is a skill every enthusiast needs, so we're a bit jealous of this restoration. Click the link below to browse new Bentleys with new engines, and tell us your favorite rebuild story in the comments below. Related: Jay Leno Tests the 2020 Bentley Continental GT V8 Bentley Bentayga Stetson Debuts in Texas

By Edward Jones – October 10, 2019

New Bentley Flying Spur Blackline Spec Announced

Are you ordering a new Bentley Flying Spur but looking for something with a darker appearance? You're in luck because the new Flying Spur Blackline specification has just been announced by the English automaker The Blackline spec takes the "brightwork" of the luxury car's exterior and replaces it with Blackline trim. This includes the Flying B mascot hood ornament, radiator vanes, grilles, side window surrounds, lower door and rear bumper blades, rear light bezels, door handles, wing vents and exhaust outlets. For the wheels are 21-inch five tri-spoke alloy wheels. Customers can also opt for the 22-inch Mulliner Driving Specification wheels as well. Interested in the Blackline spec? It will cost an additional $4,735 before taxes. see all bentleys for sale

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

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