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

Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Convertible - 1

By Edward Jones – February 20, 2020

Ultimate Luxury: Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Converti...

Bentley Motors has just unveiled the new Continental GT Mulliner Convertible, which they're touting as the "luxury pinnacle of the Continental GT family." Behind the creation of this car is Bentley Mulliner, the English automaker's own bespoke division. Bentley Mulliner is actually the oldest automotive coachbuilder in the world. Bentley Mulliner put an amazing amount of care into the creation of this model, and it shows all throughout. A new Double Diamond design can be found on the four seats, door casings, rear quarters and even on the tonneau cover (a first for Bentley). The Diamond-in-Diamond stitching of the interior takes almost 400,000 stitches to complete. On the outside is a muscular design that's complemented by new 22-inch 10-spoke painted and polished wheels with self-leveling wheel badges. Bentley is offering the new Continental GT Mulliner Convertible with eight different three-color combinations for the interior and 61 different paint colors. It will also be offered with both the V8 and W12 engine options. This new model will make its global debut at the Geneva International Motor Show on March 3, 2020. ALL BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT FOR SALE

By Andrew Nabors – February 17, 2020

Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition Is the End of an Era

Only 30 Cars To Be Produced Final Production Bentley Mulsanne Flying Spur To Replace Mulsanne This Year Bentley has a slough of hybrid models in the pipeline, but it won't include a new Bentley Mulsanne for sale. Their handbuilt flagship has been powered by the 6.75L V8, which was first introduced in 1959. To give her a proper sendoff, Mulliner was commissioned for a limited run. That's why the Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition is the end of an era. The press release included the finer details of interior and exterior distinction. It also mentions their engine is the longest V8 to be in continuous production, even though the Chevrolet small-block is 4 years older. We're sad to see her go, but it will free up workers who are building Bentley's future. Our dealers are ready to place your order, so click the link below to find a new Mulsanne for sale. Browse All Bentley Mulsanne For Sale

Bentley Mulliner Bacalar - Name Reveal Image

By Edward Jones – February 12, 2020

Bentley Mulliner Bacalar Teased, A New & Mysterious Ultra...

Bentley has just announced that the new Bentley Mulliner Bacalar will be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva 2020 event (3:30 EST, 3 March, 2020). The English automaker has yet to divulge any true specifics regarding the Bacalar, but they did note a few important things. Used Sports Cars For Sale First, this will be a car hand-built by Bentley Mulliner, which is actually the oldest coachbuilder in the world. Secondly, the Bacalar is a car that takes inspiration from the EXP 100 GT concept car. Taking the inspiration even further are the sustainable materials that are used in the creation of the Bacalar, just like the EXP 100 GT. Last but not least, Bentley notes that the Bacalar "will only be enjoyed by a very few," leading us to believe that it will be a very limited-production model. We'll just have to wait and see! SEE ALL BENTLEYS FOR SALE

By Andrew Nabors – January 28, 2020

Bentley Continental GT Looks Nice on Ice

Ice Racing might seem like a fool's errand, but it is a true test of driver and machine. Racers and manufacturers have been coming to Austria to tackle a frozen lake for years. Yesterday they teased us with their entry, and we must say that the Bentley Continental GT looks nice on ice. Wild Bugatti Veyron Plows Snow & Pulls Skiers In a press release this morning, we've learned the details of a specially-prepped new Bentley Continental GT. Prepped for the GP Ice Races in Zell am See, Dr. Wolfgang Porsche has a perfect viewpoint in his house atop Salzburg. Engineers from all corners of VW Group have brought their most potent hardware, even Bugatti might be getting in on the action. Tell us who you think will win in the comments below and stay with us for all your Bentley news. Browse All Bentley Continental GT For Sale " width="680"> Related: Bentley Continental Supersports Price, Specs & Review

By Edward Jones – January 27, 2020

New Mystery Bentley Continental Spotted

It looks like Bentley is teasing a new Continental model or variant on Twitter, but its name and purpose is a current mystery. In the photo, taken in Kitzbühel, Austria, we see a bright blue Continental that looks outfitted for rally racing. An LED bar is implemented into the car's roof rack, while a tow hook sticks out from the front bumper. What's more, the car is parked on a road surrounded by snow. Could this be a new rally car from Bentley? Knowing Bentley is working on electric cars, could this be an electrified off-road model? We may not know the answers now, but Bentley says they'll unveil all on January 28, 2020. ALL CONTINENTALS FOR SALE https://twitter.com/BentleyComms/status/1221138761217708033

By Andrew Nabors – January 23, 2020

2020 Bentley Flying Spur Offers Their Most Complex Interior

141 Upholsterers Stitch 350 Pieces of Leather Almost 2 Miles of Thread 168 Cross-Stitches on the Steering Wheel This is the one you've been waiting for. Despite sharing the same outer dimensions, it shares nothing with last year's model. Thanks to a clean-sheet redesign, the new 2020 Bentley Flying Spur offers their most complex interior. An apprentice is not allowed to touch the immaculate hides before completing 5 months of training. The seats require a minimum of 12 hours, and the headrests are embroidered with 5,103 stitches. Safety is still their top priority, so the stitches around each airbag are designed to shear when the bag deploys. Our dealers will show you all of the intricate details, so click the button below and stay with us for all your Bentley news. Browse All Bentley Flying Spur For Sale " width="680"> Related: Bentley Flying Spur W12 S: Price, Specs, & Review

December 10 2019Telluride COBomber SkisBode Miller@mattpower

By Edward Jones – January 22, 2020

Bentley and Bomber Introduce New "Ski and Drive" Experiences

Bentley Motors and Bomber Ski has just announced a new "ski and drive" event from March 4-9, 2020. So what exactly is a ski and drive event? First, it's called the Bomber for Bentley Ski & Drive Experience and it will be taking place at Telluride, Colorado and Park City, Utah. The press release detailing the new collaborative event says it will "provide one-of-a-kind ski and drive experiences for customers combining adventure with fine-dining, ultimate luxury and relaxation." Bentley Skis are Coming Just in Time for Winter The trip will start off at the Lumière with Inspirato property in Telluride. Then, the guests will take a trip on private aircraft over to the Montage Deer Valley in Park City. What's more, six-time Olympic medallist and five-time World Champion skier Bode Miller will be on-hand to help guests take their skiing to the next level. For more info, click here. SEE ALL BENTLEYS FOR SALE " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – January 16, 2020

Bentley Bentayga Speed Assembly in Detail

Go to any normal SUV factory and their team is tasked with turning out units as fast as possible. This is not the case in Crewe, England. It is there that a team of skilled artisans and master craftspeople spend 16 days to build a masterpiece. Covering 127 working hours, here is the new Bentley Bentayga Speed assembly in detail. No less than 10 hours are spent in the woodshop, where sustainably-sourced trees are transformed into immaculate interior trim. Leather comes from 14 bovines, and the body shell requires 24 hours to ensure proper panel fitment. Once completed, it offers 635 horsepower & 664 lb-ft to all wheels. The attention to detail is why you need a 190 mph SUV. Click the button below to find yours and stay with us for all your Bentley news. Browse all Bentley Bentayga For Sale " width="680"> Related: Bentley Bentayga Specs, Price, Review & Photos

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

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