Bentley News

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

By Andrew Nabors – November 04, 2020

Bentley's Electric Future Will Be Presented Tomorrow

Only a few years ago we would have laughed at a luxury electric car. But climate change is irrefutable, and so is the push for cleaner transportation. That is why Bentley's electric future will be presented tomorrow. Their latest Beyond 100 film will be live-streamed from Bentley Newsroom at 11 AM Eastern Time. Bentley Offers Over 5,000 Interior Options It will be a press conference from the historic headquarters in Crewe, England. In it, we will see a factory that protects its skilled workforce with over 250 virus-killing safety measures. We will also receive their Q3 sales and profit reports that will echo the unprecedented demand for new luxury cars and SUVs. Chairman & CEO Adrian Hallmark will also host a Q&A session immediately after along with his Board of Managers. Click here to register for the virtual event and then click below for great incentives from our Bentley dealers. As always, we will remain your source for Bentley news. Browse Bentley For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 22, 2020

Bentley Offers Over 5,000 Interior Options

The allure of the Continental V8 convertible has been bouncing around my noggin for a few years. Because we specialize in new & pre-owned luxury and exotics, I have had ample time to drive new and older versions of the Continental. Of course, their fit & finish is top-notch, but no two cars are the same. That's because Bentley offers over 5,000 interior options. Our dealers specialize in turning your dreams into a reality, and it starts with details as small as the interior veneers. They can book-match any wood species for open-pore opulence. If you like it glossy, the Piano Veneers can be had in any of the 88 exterior colors, painted by hand and color sanded for decades of brilliance. What's more, the Mulliner custom shop can cut veneers and dash trim from stone, carbon fiber, diamond-cut aluminum or even titanium. Importing slate and quartz from India, it is laser-cut to 0.1mm along the grain to retain its strength. Click the button below to get the process started, you deserve it. Browse Bentley For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 16, 2020

Bentley Shows Stunning Lineup At Goodwood

In keeping with our English theme this morning, Bentley is showing a stunning lineup at Goodwood. When you mention anything Bentley, people assume their twin-turbo twelve cylinder is under the hood. While that is true for the Bentayga Speed, it is flanked by the Continetal and Flying Spur. Both sporting black trim, its a dead giveaway that they are V8 powered. While they lack almost 100 horsepower compared to the W12 models, they are also over 220 lbs lighter. " width="680"> Given the means, I would choose their V8 instead of the 12 because it has been proven under the hoods of the Panamera, Cayenne, several Audis, and even the Lamborghini Urus. Also on display is their wild EXP 100 GT to represent the future of the brand. Our dealers are ready to answer any questions about their 2021 lineup, so click the button and stay with us for all your Bentley news. Browse Bentley For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 14, 2020

2021 Bentley Flying Spur V8 Is Lighter & Darker

A twelve-cylinder Bentley in your garage is a life goal for many of us. Their flagship sedan pulls no punches to offer 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. It has everything you could ask for, and now offers the most efficient powertrain in their history. Something dark and intriguing hit our inbox this morning. A Bentley with blacked-out details will arrive soon, and it's 220 lbs lighter thanks to losing 4 cylinders. Bentley Celebrates 40,000 Flying Spurs Using the latest engine technology, the 2021 Bentley Flying Spur V8 is lighter and darker. Their 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is shared with the Porshe Cayenne & Panamera, along with the Audi S8 and the Lamborghini Urus. Now with the latest in cylinder de-activation, it transforms to a 4-cylinder in 20ms. This allows the Flying Spur to have a range of 400 miles on one tank while still offering 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. With maximum torque arriving under 2,000 rpm, it might be able to outrun the W12 for a few seconds. " width="680"> The Dynamic Ride system has replaced swaybars with servos. It can apply 959 lb-ft of torque up or down to each wheel. Not only does it instantly negate bumps in the road, but you also won't feel a thing on even the roughest roads. Click the button to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Bentley news. Browse Bentley Flying Spur For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 16, 2020

2021 Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Coupe Unveiled At Sa...

Last week we gave you a sneak peek at Europe's hottest car show. Now the festivities are over so we are happy to announce that the 2021 Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Coupe was unveiled at Salon Privé. It is the latest member of their Mulliner Collections Portfolio that also comprises the Continental GT convertible. To set it apart from all lesser models, you must start by choosing from 88 piano veneers. " width="680"> Browse Bentley Continental GT For Sale Built by Mulliner's master coachbuilders, each example is not hindered by the demands of Bentley's normal production constraints. This allows them to take the time necessary to create your masterpiece. No less than 400,000 stitches hold a few acres of leather together. Other exclusive features include the Double Diamond grille, unique 22" Mulliner wheels, and the option for modern, technical finishes inside and out. They are capable of building anything your heart desires, so click the button above to order yours and stay with us for all your Bentley news.

By Andrew Nabors – September 09, 2020

New 1928 Bentley Blower Engines Roar To Life

What once was old is new again, with Blower Bentleys from Crewe again. Yesterday we told you about a trio of Bentley cars built by their Mulliner custom shop. The most anticipated is a continuation of the 1928 Supercharged 4-1/2 Litre. Limited to a dozen examples, nothing has been left to chance. That is why a new 1928 Bentley Blower engine has roared to life. Bentley Mulliner is Building a Trifecta For Salon Privé After building an exact replica of the front suspension, they dusted off an engine dyno that was last used in WW2 to calibrate the Merlin V12. The analog dynamometer is a work of art, and so is the beast bolted to it. Building a new version of an old engine is not easy. In my case, it took years to learn how to port heads, lap valves, set breaker points, and listen to the ignition timing. While these procedures are not completely gone, we are looking at the end of an era. Computers and machine tools simply do a better job, but the reward of a classic engine is unlike anything else. Once the break-in is done, we will share the dyno results with you, so stay with us for all your Bentley news. Browse Bentley For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 20, 2020

Bentley Starts Production on the Limited Pikes Peak Conti...

Bentley has just announced that their limited run of the Pikes Peak Continental GT by Mulliner has begun at their factory in Crewe, England. This limited edition model will have just 15 examples produced in total, all of which feature a unique carbon fiber body kit, Radium by Mulliner paint and more. There's also Pikes Peak embroidery on the seat in Radium, Pikes Peak decal on the front fender, and a graphic that shows the track on the passenger-side fascia. For 35 percent of the cars ordered, a unique Mountain Decal Event Livery was chosen which displays the mountains of the track on the sides of the exterior. Why the love for Pikes Peak? It's because a Continental GT set a new record for the track in 2019 and this car is celebrating that momentous event. If you want to celebrate on your own by owning an example this car, you're out of luck because all 15 have already been allocated. See All Continental GTs for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 07, 2020

Bentley Teases Their Electric Future

High voltage and sustainability are the buzzwords from every automaker. With Europe's mandate for all production cars to have hybrid technology, Bentley has given us a glimpse of their electric future. A 3-year project named OCTOPUS has culminated in a breakthrough in electric-powered axles. The acronym stands for Optimised Components, Test and simulatiOn, toolkits for Powertrains which integrate Ultra high-speed motor Solutions. Bentley Bentayga Gets Four New Accessory Collections Using electromagnets instead of rare earth elements, the motor is able to be recycled and rebuilt for the ultimate in sustainability. Engineers also eliminated copper from the motor. This costs a bit of efficiency, but who knows how much copper our planet has left. To see the big picture, they plan to have their first EV on the road by 2026. Because Bentley is part of the VW group, they also have access to Rimac, as Porsche owns 20% of the hypercar builder. Browse Bentley For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – July 31, 2020

Bentley Bentayga Gets Four New Accessory Collections

Bentley has just announced four new accessory collections for their popular Bentayga luxury SUV: Exterior, Interior, Touring and Protection. Each of these were developed by the same engineers who developed the cars themselves. Here's a quick breakdown of each one. Exterior Range: This range enhances the look of the Bentayga's exterior, as well as its sound. The highlight is the Akrapovic exhaust system. Other accessories include the high-gloss carbon fiber mirror cowls and fixed side step option. Interior Range: Designed for comfort, this accessory collection includes leather-trimmed scatter cushions and luggage. Touring Range: If the Touring Range is picked, the Bentayga's boot capacity is expanded to 484 liters and a lockable roof box is added. Options include a load assist tray and two versions of the Bentley Cycle Carrier. Protection Range: Meant for off-roading, this collection adds car covers, heavy-duty interior mats and mud flaps. See All Bentaygas for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 23, 2020

Bentley Flying Spur Arrives With 3D Wood Paneling

Two decades ago, the only wood found in cars was a thin veneer. Bean Counters at the assembly plants made sure to save money by cutting the wood as thin as possible. Now with a push for more sustainable materials, Bentley has unveiled 3D wood paneling for the 2021 Flying Spur. Your door panels can be had with leather as usual, but two new options are open-pore American Walnut or American Cherry wood. 2021 Bentley Flying Spur Receives Plush Updates The diamond pattern was first seen in their EXP 10 Speed 6 concept from 2015, and fans gave it rave reviews. It was inspired by the quilted leather offered by their Mulliner custom department, and it took them 18 months to develop the machining process without marring the finish. Skilled carpenters use a 3-axis router to carve each panel, and the finished product is only accepted if it meets tolerances of 0.1 mm. It is neat to think that the wood in your new Bentley traveled from American forests before coming back in style. Click the button below to find your new Bentley and stay with us for all your luxury news. Browse Bentley Flying Spur For Sale

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