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 – March 04, 2020

New Breitling and Bentley Mulliner Watch Debuted

The latest watch to come out of the 17-year partnership between Breitling and Bentley is here. Introducing the new Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner timepiece. Celebrating the longest partnership between an automaker and watch brand, this new watch was inspired by the interior of the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible. The silver dial of the watch mimics the dashboard clock from the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible and its blue alligator leather strap echos the Imperial Blue leather interior of the car as well. For movement, it relies on the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, which comes with a remarkable power reserve of around 70 hours. Only 100 examples of this watch will be created. For the Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition with a folding clasp, the price is set at $8650. With a tang-type buckle, the price drops to $8,350. For more information, click here. 20200219_BREITLING_BENTLEY8408K_POST.jpg

By Edward Jones – February 27, 2020

New Bentley Golf Tech Collection Revealed

Bentley Golf has just announced a new Tech Collection that includes a line of clubs inspired by the new Continental GT. Each of the clubs are constructed out of high-end materials that make them both sturdy and stylish. (Side Note: New Bentley Mulliner Bacalar Teaser Released: It’s a Two-Seater) For the irons, they're faces are made of titnaium with carbon fiber backs. When it comes to your extremely short game, there's the putter made of high-density steel, super-soft aluminum and carbon fiber. For those long drives, Bentley Golf has new woods in this Tech Collection. These woods have a design that's inspired by the haunches of the Continental GT. Bentley Golf also used 'B' screws for the woods as well. "The design of the Tech Collection pulls inspiration from the brand’s past, present and future," says Chris Cooke, a Bentley Designer. "These elements come together to create a range that reflects Bentley’s philosophy of unrivalled design and exceptional craftsmanship." If you want to see more, be sure to visit BentleyGolf.com.

By Andrew Nabors – August 01, 2019

Celebrate Bentley's Centenary With Their new Eyewear

Bentley is not known for doing anything halfway, and that ethos carries over into their accessories. If you put the top down on your Continental GT, it would be embarrassing to arrive wearing cheap glasses. Our friend Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top implies just such a scenario in their hit song "Cheap Sunglasses". As part of the brand's 100th anniversary, you can now celebrate Bentley's Centenary with their new eyewear. Which Bentley Frame Speaks To You? Starting off with a retro style, the Keyhole Bridge Pantos is an acetate frame with titanium hardware. Palladium Plating Lightweight acetate and titanium Made in Japan Lens width: 49mm Bridge width: 20mm Arm length: 143mm Presented in a black Bentley eyewear case and gift box Next up are the Classic Round Sunglasses. They make a conservative statement in rose gold plated titanium. Choose between pink or brown lenses, both have100% UV protection. Rose gold plated beta-titanium 58mm (width), 17mm (bridge), 140mm (arm) In Brown or Pink tinted lens 100% UV Protection No collection would be complete without Aviators, so the Centenary Aviators are their most anticipated design. The gold plated titanium incorporates the knurled patterns found in Bentley interiors, along with the iconic "B" logo. Available in Small (size 59) and Large (size 61) frames. Finest luxury gold plated titanium eyewear produced for the Bentley Centenary Polarized lenses 59mm (width), 15mm (bridge), 135mm (arm) / 61mm (width), 15mm (bridge), 135mm (arm) Of course, the best place to find these is at your local Bentley Dealer. If you haven't driven the new Continental GT, words can't express the perfection it conveys. So click the link below to find one near you and stay with us for all your Bentley Anniversary news. Find Your New Bentley Continental GT Here " width="680"> Related: Bentley Flying Spur First Edition sells BIG for Charity Bentley EXP 100 GT Unveiled Live

By Edward Jones – July 05, 2019

Bentley Golf Clubs Celebrate Centenary with Carbon Fiber ...

Bentley is continuing their centenary celebration with another unique release. This time, it's the new Centenary Golf collection. This new collection celebrates the English automaker's 100th birthday with limited production and exquisite craftsmanship. The design of these clubs was inspired by the new Continental GT luxury car. Don't believe me? Just check out the diamond knurling and the design lines on the club heads. These clubs have a carbon fiber, titanium and aluminum construction. "Centenary Gold" has also been woven into the carbon fiber, giving off a stylish visual on the club heads. There's also a gold bag that carries over the same carbon fiber and Centenary Gold design as the clubs. Only 100 sets of the Bentley Centenary Golf set will be created, costing £12,000 each (roughly $15,000). They can be ordered now on the Bentley Golf website.

By Edward Jones – June 28, 2019

Bentley x Graf von Faber-Castell Pens Revealed for 100th ...

Bentley Motors is celebrating its 100th anniversary on July 10, 2019, and they're celebrating in many ways. The most recently unveiled form of celebration from the English automaker is a set of limited edition pens created in collaboration with Graf von Faber-Castell. The "Limited Edition Centenary" pens from Graf von Faber-Castell are the second line of pens released since the collaboration between them and Bentley started. There are three pens in this line of Bentley pens, each with a different style of ink distribution: fountain, rollerball and ballpoint. They come in a black color with metal parts. For the fountain pen, the barrel and nib have an anthracite-color PVD coating made out of titanium. Graf von Faber-Castell also included a few distinctive Bentley touches, like the diamond quilt pattern, knurling and Bentley "B" on the top of the cap. Prices are as follows: £530 (~$674 USD) for the fountain pen, £490 (~$623 USD) for the rollerball pen and £450 (~$572 USD) for the ballpoint pen. They will be available on July 1, 2019 on Bentley's online store. See All Bentley For Sale Rollerball Pen Ballpoint Pen Fountain Pen

By Edward Jones – May 17, 2019

Bentley Centenary Opus 100 Carat Edition: A $250,000 Book

The new Bentley Centenary Opus has been revealed as the "heaviest book ever produced telling the story of an automotive brand," according to the Bentley. Weighing in at 66 lbs, that's a stat that's not hard to believe. While the weight is astounding, it's the price of one of these versions that's even more notable. Opus, the specialty luxury book publisher, is releasing three different versions of this book: Mulliner, the Centenary and 100 Carat (pictured above). Here's the breakdown of each of the limited edition books: Mulliner Edition – 100 copies: £12,500 per copy (~$16,000 USD) Centenary Edition – 500 copies: £3,000 per copy (~$3,800 USD) 100 Carat Edition – 7 copies: £200,000 per copy (~$255,000 USD) Yes, you read that correctly: the 100 Carat Edition will cost a quarter of a million dollars. For that price, the seven buyers will be getting 100 carats worth of diamonds adorning the book and a badge made of either white gold or platinum. Inside each of the books is 800 pages filled with the past 100 years of Bentley's history and a look into their future. The book begins with an introduction by Ralph Lauren, the fashion icon, and it ends with a chapter from Adrian Hallmark, Bentley's chairman and CEO. There are also incredible photos within the pages, including some never-before-seen imagery and photography that's exclusive to this book. There are even giant 20 in x 24 in Polaroid Portraits in the pages, marking the first time the world's largest Polaroid camera has been used to capture photos of automobiles. The cherry on top, if the diamonds weren't enough, is a special "tailor-made" bespoke option for the book. This allows owners to have their own photos used in the bespoke section of their book. Owners can also have Opus photograph their Bentleys for inclusion in their books. You can learn more about this extravagant book on Opus' site by clicking the below. VISIT THISISOPUS.COM

By Edward Jones – February 10, 2017

Smell Like a Bentley (Not Really) With New Fragrance

Bentley announced today their brand-new fragrance called Momentum. The English automaker notes that "Bentley Momentum meets the same exacting standards as Bentley cars." The fragrance was created by Nathalie Lorson, a renowned master perfumer.(2018 Bentley Continental Supersports Confirmed)In Bentley's press release for the new fragrance, they went really in-depth when it comes to how it smells: "As the fragrance opens, a splash of aquatic notes energises sparkling bergamot and cool green violet. In contrast to this refreshing style, clary sage adds herbaceous, aromatic accents, hinting at the sensuous warmth that unfolds in the heart notes. Gaining momentum, the scent segues into a strikingly modern accord of ambergris and cashmere wood, evoking clean, sun-warmed skin and polished wood. The dry-down reveals a deep, burnished blend of smooth sandalwood and dusky tonka bean, in a sensuous trail of musk and moss."Can't say I've ever had a fragrance "gain momentum" on myself.Bentley Momentum comes in two different intensities: Bentley Momentum Eau de Toilette and Bentley Momentum Intense Eau de Parfum. As far as prices go, it lays out like this: Bentley Momentum EDT, 100 ml; Euro 82.00; £59.00 (~$87) Bentley Momentum Intense EDP, 100 ml; Euro 89.00; £69.50 (~$94) Bentley Momentum Intense EDP, 60 ml; Euro 68.00; £49.00 (~$72) Bentley Momentum Hair and Body Shampoo, 200 ml; Euro 27.00; £24.00 (~$28) Bentley For Sale

Bentley tees off new Golf collection (3)

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 28, 2016

Golf in Style with Bentley's New Golf Collection

Quality and luxury embody everything Bentley touches, and the brand's golf collection fits right into that realm. In fact, the company speaks of it's new golf line as the union of, "luxury and performance with the finest in sports and leisure." Bentley partnered with industry leaders, Professional Golf Europe, to create the ultimate set for the golfing aficionado. Clubs, bags and accessories have been meticulously designed and manufactured. The set includes some unique features like irons hand-forged in Ichikawa, Japan, an area with a long and prosperous history in metal working. Bentley inspired detailing and styling is seen in all facets of the golf sets, from the bags to the accessories.Bentley owners and fans will notice detailing from a number of different Bentley models within the collection as well. The famous rear arch of the Continental GT and the curves of the Mulsanne are apparent in the design of the clubs and accessories. The clubs, made to suit the novice or professional golfer, include "high performance steel and graphite shaft options" as well as desired flex options based on the golfer's experience. Additionally, buyers can choose their driver's loft option, which comes in 9, 10.5 and 12 degree. Bags include waterproof fabrics to optimize use and wear. Even their leather bag option is waterproof inside and out. As for accessories, golfers can complete their new Bentley collection with "Sterling Silver Golf Ball Marker and Pitch Fork featuring Bentley knurling to give an overriding feel of luxury." Other accessories include bag towels, umbrellas, golf tees and more.The golf collection will be available for sale in September 2016, in select golf retailers. Customers can also purchase from http://www.bentleygolf.com/

By Caitlin Duffy – June 25, 2015

Second Vertu for Bentley Phone to be Introduced at Goodwood

The phones created by Vertu are much more than a simple mobile device that connects you to phone calls or messages. It's an impossibly safe data storage device, a personal assistant, concierge, professional camera and holder of music from the London Symphony Orchestra, all while being crafted from the world's finest materials and small enough to fit in your pocket.It only makes sense that an automotive manufacturer that creates luxury models of the same quality caliber would partner with them. Bentley and Vertu formally announced July 7, 2014 that the two had entered a five-year partnership, with plans to create five new phones during that time. Today, a release from Bentley announced the second of those phones, the new Signature for Bentley.Design was inspired by the Bentley Mulsanne Speed, with details like the carbon fiber pillow, polished stainless steel sides detailed with a knurled finish and Beluga Black calf leather, which was sourced from the same tannery that Bentley uses. Tying it all together is the Bentley Flying B Titanium emblem under the key pad.It's much more narrow than the Bentley Signature Touch phone released Oct. 15, 2014, making it perfectly sized to fit in any coat pockets. This new Signature will be officially launched Sept. 18, and when it is available for sale, buyers will find it to be far more customizable. Pricing has yet to be released.As the release states, an online design configurator will be made available, with 2,300 possible combinations. This will allow the phone to better reflect each owner's Bentley, further bringing the driving experience into other aspects of life.(See Also: The Beluga Specification Bentley Flying Spur)It has been made available for pre-order beginning today, the same day it makes its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. To learn more about ordering your own Vertu for Bentley, visit Vertu's website at www.Vertu.com, and find the perfect Bentley for your phone from our exclusive listings below.Bentleys For Sale (Source: Bentley, Vertu) See More Bentley News

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