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 – June 21, 2018

Bang & Olufsen and Bentley Create Revolutionary Sound System

The new Bentley Continental GT brings a refreshed look to the model that many have been looking forward to for quite some time. But, it's not just new looks that are coming to the new Continental GT. Inside the revamped model, you'll be greeted with a Bang & Olufsen sound system that's unlike any other. That is if you select it as an option.View All Bentleys for SaleBang & Olufsen integrated their BeoSonic interface within the car, which allows users to essentially "shape" the sound within the car. Bentley notes that the one-touch interface will give the driver control over the 16-speaker system. By moving a digital white marker, the user can select between four different audio spaces: Bright, Energetic, Warm & Relaxed. Within each of these "spaces" are different sound settings that create a desired tailored audio experience.You can see this new audio system in action by check out the video below.Shop Bang & Olufsen

By Andrew Nabors – April 18, 2018

Bentley Unveils 2018 Continental GT3 At Monza

You might not believe it, but Walter Owen Bentley loved to race. His engines allowed motorcycles, aircraft, and his cars to win races around the world. As an engineer, he and his employees obsessed over the smallest details. That's why we think he would approve of the latest Continental GT3. A press release this morning says the second generation of this track-ready luxury coupe will face its first test at Monza this weekend. Six factory drivers will be joined by Team Parker Racing, who is a factory-sponsored crew. No mention of the engine's output or Balance of Performance restrictions was made, so tune in to the race to see how they perform. It was caught testing by 19Bozzy92 and uploaded to YouTube, so check it out below. A street version is probably in the works, so if we hear anything of the new Bentley GT3.R, you will see it first here on Autofluence.

By Edward Jones – March 27, 2018

Rhys Millen Racing Pikes Peak Bentayga

The Pikes Peak master Rhys Millen is taking his expertise to the 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with a Bentley Bentayga. Millen will be attempting to break the production SUV record of 12:35.61. In order to accomplish this, he'll have to hold an average minimum speed of 60 mph around the 156-corner stretch of road that is more than treacherous.The Bentayga he will be driving was prepared by Bentley's motorsports division. It's pretty close to the production model but has a full roll cage, fire suppression system, racing seats and harnesses, and Akrapovic exhaust. Everything else? Bone stock.New Rolls-Royce 'Wraith Luminary Collection' with Shooting Star Headliner“The opportunity to race with Bentley at Pikes Peak is one that I couldn’t pass up," said Millen. "I visited the Bentley factory in Crewe, England last month and was amazed at the level of skill that goes in to handcrafting these cars. I also had the chance to drive the race-prepared car for the first time and was blown away by the performance that’s already available. I’m really looking forward to preparing for the race, competing on the mountain with Bentley and hopefully claiming a new SUV record.”

By Andrew Nabors – January 12, 2018

Bentley Unveils New V8 Bentayga

You can't deny the power and smoothness of Bentley's W12 engine. It has been found across their lineup for years, thanks to a solid foundation that harkens back to the Jetta VR6. Having twelve cylinders at your command is nice to have, but it might send the wrong impression to others. That's why Bentley has bestowed the new Bentayga with a 4.0-liter twin turbo V8.Using the same formula that worked so well in the Continental GT, V8 editions of the Bentayga will arrive with blacked out bodywork and carbon fiber interior trim. I had reservations about how the GT would respond with 4 fewer cylinders. Los Gatos Luxury Cars allowed me to drive one for a day, and the V8 gets on power with a quickness. On paper, it has less power, but the lighter crank and rods love to spin up from an idle.STARTECH Bentayga Built – First of its Kind in North AmericaThe press release earlier this morning rates the Bentayga V8 at 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the W12, it has 38 less horsepower and 94 lb-ft fewer torques. You would be hard-pressed to notice a difference unless you are land-speed racing. Bentley has you covered there also. The V8 is the first Bentayga to offer ceramic brakes. The largest brakes ever offered on a production car, the fronts are 17.3" with 14.5" on the rear!Hiding under front calipers are no less than 10 pistons, this one option will make many choose the smaller motor. Other differences include a wood-trimmed steering wheel along with a new shade of leather named "Cricket Ball". Buyers also have 11 wheels to choose from, the most we've seen from any luxury manufacturer. Our dealers have more info, so click the link below and have a great weekend!Browse Bentley Bentaygas For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 30, 2017

Next-Gen 2018 Bentley Continental GT Getting a First Edition

Bentley's next-generation 2018 Continental GT is a true beauty that really pushes the model in a new design direction. The overall DNA of the luxury car didn't change with this new generation, but that's a good thing. Bentley ensured that the new Continental GT would be recognizable even with a thorough makeover.To celebrate their achievement, Bentley has created a First Edition variant of the new Continental GT. Inside the car is a cabin that's been created by the Bentley design team. Bentley notes that the star of the new model's cabin is the Bentley Rotating Display, which gives drivers the ability to swap out between three different fascia panels. Interestingly enough, Bentley is also giving customers the option to opt for a most standard three analog dial instrument panel instead of the 12.3-inch touchscreen.New Bentley is the Hunter's Dream Ride Pricing for the Bentley Continental GT First Edition has not been released as of the time of publishing.Sell Your Exotic Car

By Edward Jones – November 27, 2017

New Bentley is the Hunter's Dream Ride

Bentley and Purdey, a shotgun manufacturer, have collaborated for a new Bentayga SUV that has the hunter in mind. Purdey and Bentley share the ability for customers to customize their purchases, whether it's a shotgun or a luxury vehicle. As for what makes this one-off SUV special, that can all be found in the trunk. A storage unit in the rear houses drawers that can hold ammo, drinks, binoculars, the necessary protective wear for shooting, and a humidor. What's more, there's space between the rear seats for a leather case that holds two guns. Okay, so I can't imagine you'd be taking this Bentley out for a hunter expedition out into the thick of the wilderness. But, if you were, at least you'd have a humidor to hold your cigars for smoking after a successful hunt.New Bentley Race Car is Downright Mean Looking

By Edward Jones – November 09, 2017

New Bentley Race Car is Downright Mean Looking

Bentley's new Continental GT3 race car has been unveiled, and it takes after the newly redesigned Continental road car. This new race car uses a structure that's mostly aluminum, allowing it to weigh in under 2,866 lbs. Under the hood is a redeveloped version of Bentley's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. With a new dry-sump system, new intake system and new exhaust system, the new Continental GT3 has unrestricted power rated at 550 bhp. As for its exterior, it's easy to see the aerodynamic components that give this version of the Continental a racing pedigree and appearance.2018 Bentley Bentayga Mulliner: Price, Specs and Reviews“After four years of success with our Continental GT3, we’re excited to reveal our second-generation car," says Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush. "The new car leaves no area or system untouched in the search for even better performance, and the early test results are promising. The new Continental GT road car has proved to be a great starting point for the development of a new racer, and the engineering development work is true to Bentley’s impeccable standards.”Bentley is currently planning on running two new Continental GT3 race cars in the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup for the 2018 season. Bentley Coupes For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 30, 2017

Bentley Motors Unveils New Continental GT Generation

Bentley Motors has pulled back the sheets on the third generation of their famed Continental GT model. Its engine, exterior, and interior have all been revised, making the car an all-new model.For power, the new Continental GT relies on an enhanced version of Bentley's twin-turbo W12 engine. This engine is paired with a dual-clutch-speed transmission, which handles the power rated at 626 bhp and 664 lb-ft of torque. Bentley states the new model will run 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 207 mph. Bentley Unveils the Galene Edition by MullinerInside the new Continental GT the 12.3-inch touchscreen is the star. Designed with an interface similar to that of a phone, this system is easy to navigate through. Also, the instrument panel is entirely digital, which is actually a first for Bentley.

By Andrew Nabors – August 15, 2017

Bentley is Bringing 3 New Cars To Monterey

This week will be filled with glitz and glamour from the Monterey Peninsula, with the culmination happening this Sunday at Pebble Beach. It is the perfect place to appeal to luxury enthusiasts, so Bentley is about to throw down. A trio of new models blends a dash of concept along with their most exclusive production cars. First up will be the coupe version of the new Continental Supersports. It's no surprise a hardtop version was in the works. We were allowed to play with a prototype at the St Petersburg Festival of Speed, and it was quite delightful. Building the world's fastest 4-seat car, Bentley has revised their W12 engine inside and out and pumped up the boost. Twin turbos are used to make 700 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque. The AWD system launches the 2.5-ton coupe to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 209 mph. Close attention to detail is evident in the styling. You know it's a Continental at 100 yards away, and as it approaches you will be at a loss for words. Next up will be three flavors of the Bentayga SUV. A model that disturbed the ranks of its competitors, the Bentayga is a twelve cylinder statement of refinement and comfort that is unparalleled in the 4WD world. Their in-house customizers at Mulliner have no limits to bespoke builds, and their creations involve everything from Falconry to Fly Fishing. To show off their talents, the three versions are Black, Activity, and an eponymous Mulliner edition. Each one will have its own theme and will have a handcrafted interior of metal, wood, and leather. They will be shown along with the Continental and several historic examples at "The Home Of Bentley". The pavilion includes a design studio and it is located next to the lodge. The most shocking news is a prototype that will be shown on the Concept Lawn in front of the Lodge. Bentley's view of the future is the EXP 12 Speed 6e. An electric car built from sustainable materials, it is Bentley's entry into the battery powered battlefield, and it looks to be ready to fight. A full-length center console bisects the cockpit, with interior features mirror-imaged on each side. We can see traces of Continental and Bentayga in the controls along with a futuristic steering wheel. A convertible luxury car with suicide doors? This is sure to put England's other luxury marque on notice. If it comes to production it will be unrivaled in the electric car marketplace. Stay with us for complete coverage of the event and all your Bentley news.

By Edward Jones – July 31, 2017

The Dark Side: Bentley Flying Spur V8 S Black Edition

Bentley Motors has added a Dark Knight to their lineup with the revealing of the new Flying Spur V8 S Black Edition. This new model features a slew of dark aesthetics, as well as a more potent engine.On the exterior, the new Bentley's headlights and tail lights now have a dark tint with black bezels, something many add to their car as an option or have it done via aftermarket options. In addition, a black gloss finish is found on the headlight washer caps, door handle inserts, window surround, radiator surround, and 21-inch seven-spoke wheels. Related - On-Demand Bentley Service Delivers Luxury Cars Right to YouInside, the dark tones continue, as suspected. The entirety of the cabin is black, including the seats, carpets, dashboard, and just about every other surface. The only contrasting tones are found in the stitching and headliner bow. Customers can also have their Flying Spur V8 S Black Edition commissioned with the Mulliner Driving Specification. This spec will add diamond-quilted hides for the seat and door panels, and two new choices for wheels.As I mentioned before, the 4.0-liter V8 engine has been upgraded in the new Flying Spur V8 S models. Now, the engine produces 521 bhp and 502 lb-ft of torque. This power will propel the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and to a top speed of 190 mph.

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