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 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

By Edward Jones – September 17, 2019

Bentley Bentayga Stetson Special Edition Debuts in Texas

Bentley Dallas and Stetson have teamed up to create the Bentley Bentayga Stetson Special Edition and the first one has arrived in Texas. The overall vibe of the luxury SUV was created to be a perfect fit for Western Enthusiasts. To do this, each special edition contains a few select options that give it the "Stetson" feel. view bentley dallas inventory On the exterior, a special Stetson badge can be found. As for the finish, customers can pick between these three special colors: "White Sand, to match the “Silverbelly,” color made famous by U.S. Presidents, artists and musicians. The Stetson Open Road has also been worn by Churchill, Bob Dylan and hundreds of other culture setters Dark Cashmere to match the Stetson Boss of the Plains hat, the first Stetson ever sold Onyx, embodying the classic Stetson black 100X El Presidente hat" Inside, a rich leather interior is composed of camel as the main hide, saddle as the secondary hide and burnt oak accents. On the headrests of the seats, the Stetson logo is embroidered in saddle thread. “This partnership speaks to the timelessness of these two famous brands,” says Ken Schnitzer, Chairman of Park Place Dealerships. “The Bentayga’s rugged luxury is a tailor-made match for Stetson’s unsurpassed quality. The Bentayga Stetson Special Edition combines the best of old-world craftsmanship with American history to create a distinctive and memorable motoring experience.” The first special edition that arrived at Bentley Dallas is being offered for $246,578. Ity comes in a white sand exterior with camel hide interior details. There are two more examples coming in October and November. For more information, click the button below to contact Bentley Dallas. view dealer info

Bentley Continental GT V8Photo: James Lipman / jameslipman.com

By Andrew Nabors – September 09, 2019

Bentley Continental GT V8 Announced

Refinement never sleeps at Bentley. The third-generation Continental GT has been a runaway success for the brand, and it offers something for almost anyone. If you enjoy the incredible power of the W12 engine, you can now order it with a panoramic glass roof. Carbon fiber has been added to the interior trim choices, which pushes the configurator past 7 billion possible combinations. Those now include an engine option, as the Bentley Continental GT V8 was announced yesterday. Browse Bentley Continental GT For Sale Available to order as a coupe or convertible, it offers the same 4.0L twin-turbo V8 from the base-model Bentayga. It is rated at 550 metric horsepower with 568 lb-ft of torque. It is more than enough to reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, with the convertible taking 0.1 second more. Capable of cruising at 198 mph, it can also run on 4 cylinders when full power isn't needed. This V8 was engineered by Porsche for the Cayenne and Panamera, and it can also be found in the Lamborghini Urus. It sips fuel when the turbos aren't spinning, offering more range and efficiency than its competitors. Click the link above to learn more from your local dealer, and stay with us for all your Bentley News. " width="680"> Related: Bentley Continental GT Onboard Video from Pike's Peak 2018 Bentley Continental Supersports: Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Edward Jones – September 05, 2019

Bentley Beverly Hills Begins New Continental GT/GTC V8 De...

Our friends over at Bentley Beverly Hills have begun delivering the much-anticipated Continental GT/GTC V8 models. Their first examples of the new Continental GT V8 Convertible arrived just before Labor Day and they were spotted driving around Los Angeles throughout the three-day weekend. view bentley beverly hill's dealer page The new Continental was spotted in places like Beverly Wilshire, Waldorf Historia of Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Universal Studios, Mc. C and even the beautiful canyon roads of Los Angeles. Interested in seeing what the new Bentley Continental GT/GTC V8 model has in store for you? Be sure to contact them and set up a test drive. Who knows, maybe it will be you spotted around Los Angeles in their new Bentley. view bentley Beverly hill's inventory

By Edward Jones – September 04, 2019

New Bentley Flying Spur Will Get Restyled "Flying B" Ador...

The all-new Bentley Flying Spur is bringing back the automaker's iconic "Flying B" mascot adornment. Bentley announced that their iconic mascot will be featured on the Flying Spur for their centenary year in a newly-restyled manner. Bentley first used in Flying B on a 1930 model 8 Litre. For this new version of the mascot, however, it has a lot more technology than the 1930-version could have ever imagined. First off, the Flying B will rise from beneath the Bentley badge when it's time to drive. It's also illuminated and joins in the "welcome lighting sequence" that occurs when the driver gets close to the car. all bentley flying spurs for sale Also Check Out: Bentley Aiming for Record-Breaking Turnout at Salon Privé Mulliner Recreates the 1939 Bentley Corniche

By Andrew Nabors – August 28, 2019

Bentley Aiming for Record-Breaking Turnout at Salon Privé

Bentley is going all out this year at Blenheim Palace. This year's Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance will be the UK debut of the EXP 100 GT, along with their recently restored 1939 Corniche. Inviting all Bentleys and their owners, Bentley is aiming for a record-breaking turnout at Salon Privé. Chairman and CEO Adrian Hallmark will lead a team on Saturday. They will judge 50 exceptional Bentleys, both old and new. Also on display will be the EXP 2, the oldest Bentley in existence. The Bentley Drivers' Club will hold their annual rally on Sunday. Their goal is for over 1,000 Bentleys from around the UK to converge on Blenheim, hopefully setting a new world record. The entire 2020 lineup will also be on display for the attendees to interact with. Expect to see early 3-liters and the latest Continental GT in a setting that shows how far they have come. The Bentayga Hybrid will be next to both of the LeMans-winning 2003 Speed 8, who took first and second place. If need to understand why Bentley owners are so loyal, check out the new Continental GT from our dealers and stay with us for all your Bentley news. Find Your Bentley Continental GT Here " width="680"> Related: Mulliner Recreates the 1939 Bentley Corniche Bentley Continental GT Price, Specs, Review & Photos

By Andrew Nabors – August 09, 2019

Mulliner Recreates the 1939 Bentley Corniche

H.J. Mulliner began building custom carriages in 1897. It was nothing new for his family, as they had been building and renting carriages since 1760. Their expertise in luxury was easily adapted to automobiles, and their wealthy clientele commissioned incredible cars to be built on Bentley and Rolls-Royce chassis. One French customer ordered a gorgeous car, but it was destroyed by a bombing raid in WWII. Since it was the only example, Mulliner has recreated the 1939 Bentley Corniche. No longer an independent Coachbuilder, they are Bentley's in-house custom shop. But that doesn't mean they have lost the ability to build their own cars. Much like Mercedes allowing AMG to develop the GT lineup, giving your best employees a demanding task will result in greatness. My Grandfather was lead Navigator of the 8th Air Force. He made sure the bombs got as close to the target as their analog computer would allow. Nevertheless, bombers who were attacked by the Luftwaffe were forced to drop their bombs and head for home. This unfortunate Bentley is probably a victim of such German aggression. A bit ironic now that Bentley and Mulliner are a division of Volkswagen Group. Sometimes history repeats itself, and this Corniche is an exact replica of the original. Because Bentley builds cars using traditional methods, they dusted off the car's blueprints. Many original parts were restored, and new ones were manufactured to exacting standards. It will be part of Bentley's Centenary at Salon Prive. We will have full coverage of this event next month, so stay with us for all your Bentley news. Mulliner is capable of anything you desire, so check out what they have done with the new Continental GT in the link below. Find Your Bentley Continental GT Here! Related: Bentley Continental GT Sets new Pike's Peak Record Time Bentley EXP 100 GT Unveiled Live

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

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