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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

A black BRABUS XLP 800 ADVENTURE pickup truck, based on the Mercedes-AMG G63, is parked on a snowy mountain road with snow-covered trees and mountains in the background.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 13, 2025

BRABUS Transforms The Mercedes-AMG G63 Into Its New XLP 8...

BRABUS has outdone itself once again. Renowned for elevating the styling and performance of Mercedes-AMG's most popular models, BRABUS has built a legacy based on expert craftsmanship, luxury, and exclusivity. And while the automotive world continues to welcome high-horsepower, tailor-made S-Class and GT builds from the German manufacturer, the brand's sweet spot lies within the ever-popular G-Class. BRABUS has grown and evolved alongside the beloved G-Wagon for decades, combining adventurous off-road capabilities with supercar-inspired performance.Building off its ultra-exclusive XLP Series, BRABUS is proud to welcome the new XLP 800 ADVENTURE to its ever-growing fleet of desirable builds. Based on the Mercedes-AMG G63, the XLP pickup stands out in an exclusive category of sports trucks accredited by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority. What began life as a high-performance SUV has transformed into a rugged, lifted pickup truck complete with an exclusive BRABUS WIDESTAR widebody, carbon fiber bed, teakwood lining, and enough ground clearance to tackle anything in its way. A full portal axle setup, 18 inches of ground clearance, and an extended 209-inch-long body make BRABUS' new monster G-Wagon equipped for trail running to desert cruising. And with the ability to travel in water nearly 3 feet deep, it's clearly not afraid to get dirty. Under the hood lies an 800-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 engine paired to a sophisticated all-wheel drive and a titanium-coated adjustable suspension system. All that traction results in a 0 to 62 mph sprint in just 4.8 seconds despite the XLP 800 ADVENTURE being equipped with chunky 22-inch all-terrain tires. The eight-lug Monoblock HD wheels were designed specifically for BRABUS's portal axle setup, while fender flares and power-deployable steps accommodate the added width and height. And with a stainless sports exhaust system offering a "Coming Home" or aggressive "Sport" mode, it sounds just as wild as it looks. Inside, the BRABUS XLP 800 ADVENTURE is all about sky blue leather, diamond-quilted seat inserts, carbon fiber, and handcrafted aluminum details. The MASTERPIECE interior lives up to its name, right down to the "77" embroidery and illuminated ambient accents. Even rear passengers get their own roof-mounted speed and time display. Built entirely to order, it's a luxury off-road supercar, made for those who want unstoppable capability without giving up handcrafted German craftsmanship. Whether crawling up rocky trails or making an entrance in Beverly Hills, the BRABUS XLP 800 ADVENTURE delivers bold style and brute force in one package. View All BRABUS Inventory " width="680"> Source: BRABUS

A black Brabus Rocket 900 Hyper GT car is parked in a dimly lit garage, viewed from the rear side.

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 28, 2024

BRABUS ROCKET GTS Debuts As A 1,000HP Hyper GT Shooting B...

BRABUS shows off its newest creation! Evolving from a small German tuning shop into a leader in the luxury automotive industry, BRABUS has established a world-renowned reputation for transforming already impressive exotics into full-blown, bespoke builds. The all-new BRABUS ROCKET GTS redefines the timeless styling of a shooting brake with a mix of speed, luxury, and hybrid technology. As part of the 2025 BRABUS Collection, its exclusive hyper gran turismo comes wrapped in exposed-structure carbon, marking the first time BRABUS has produced a full carbon body. On the outside, the ROCKET GTS makes a bold statement with its wide yet compact stance, measuring only 78.1 inches. Sitting on custom 21-inch front and 22-inch rear Monoblock P “PLATINUM EDITION” wheels, sleek aero blades improve airflow and deliver maximum cooling throughout all areas of the ROCKET GTS. The front end reduces lift with a new integrated spoiler, while the rear’s diffuser and carbon tailpipes continue to shed unwanted weight. Every detail serves a purpose, guaranteeing stability at speeds over 186 mph. Inside, the BRABUS MASTERPIECE interior offers a bespoke experience with handcrafted "Slate Gray" leather and Alcantara covering nearly every surface. Designed to pamper its passengers, the 2+2 seating layout provides both luxury and practicality. Each detail is meticulously stitched and fitted by BRABUS artisans, giving customers the option to tailor their interiors to match their personal tastes. From the carbon-accented steering wheel to the perfectly upholstered seats, the cabin combines a blend of comfort and performance. Powering the BRABUS ROCKET GTS is a hybrid system that integrates a BRABUS 4.5L twin-turbocharged V8 with an electric motor on the rear axle. Together, the powertrain generates a monstrous 1,000 horsepower and 1,342 lb-ft of torque, launching from 0-62 mph in just 2.6 seconds. With a top speed electronically limited to 197 mph, BRABUS' hyper GT guarantees every drive feels like a track experience. Discover all BRABUS inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the links below. View All BRABUS Inventory For Sale Source: BRABUS

By Gabriel Vega – April 21, 2022

BRABUS Classic: Reviving Legends

Drawing from over 40 years of experience, BRABUS Classic expends 1,500 to 4,000 on each project as part of its 6-Star Restoration program. Each restoration attempts to recondition and reuse as many original parts as possible to retain authenticity. Since opening its doors in the late 1970s, BRABUS has become best known for its direct hand in tuning some of the most significant Mercedes-Benz models ever to roll off the assembly line. Thanks to over 45 years of experience, the German tuner has officially become a Mercedes-Benz ClassicPartner, opening a new restoration and maintenance division dubbed BRABUS Classic. The central purpose behind BRABUS Classic revolves around its 6-Star Restoration program. Dedicating sometimes upwards of 4,000 person-hours per vehicle, the technicians can completely tear down a project, restoring and reconditioning many original parts to retain the car's authenticity. However, thanks to its direct connection to Mercedes-Benz, the restoration division can replace any part as needed, leaving vehicles in "like new" condition. This work ranges from engine overhauls to paint, body reconditioning, and even EU conversion. Beyond just restoring these classic cars, BRABUS Classic works with Classic Data, an organization that inspects classic cars and certifies their condition after the reconditioning work has finished. Through this certification, owners get the confirmation via a third party that the work done meets the organization's high standards. Classic Data confirms that each restored classic is suitable for daily use with the accreditation. After completing a project, BRABUS Classic provides support on the maintenance side thanks to its extensive parts catalog, keeping these classic cars on the road for decades to come. For example, in the case of soft-top convertibles, BRABUS Classic has access to original Mercedes-Benz materials to craft new components while retaining authenticity entirely. While the restoration center specializes in upkeeping Mercedes-Benz's most important classic models, the maintenance center will work with any of the brand's classic cars, giving the same level of attention to a 300SL Gullwing as an enormous Unimog. For owners that like to partake in rallies, BRABUS Classic's maintenance center offers inspections to ensure the reliability of each classic car before it undertakes a significant road trip. Thanks to its status as a Mercedes-Benz Classic Partner, BRABUS Classic stands as 1 of 24 locations completing restoration work across Germany. For owners in the U.S., the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, located in Irvine, CA, undertakes the primary restoration location. View BRABUS Classics For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 21, 2020

BRABUS Marine Premieres Two Wicked Shadow 900 Boats

BRABUS Marine has just unveiled two incredible vessels at BOOT Düsseldorf 2020. First up is the Shadow 900 Spyder (seen directly below), which BRABUS Marine describes as a "full-open version, for pure, unadulterated driving pleasure." BRABUS Marine also unveiled the Shadow 900 Sun-Top (seen directly below), a "comfortable passage maker." Each of these boats is hand-built and is as luxurious as you'd expect from BRABUS. There are fine leathers, flat-screen TVs, and more features that make them perfect for any occasion. They're also powered by Mercury Marine’s latest dual 450R Verado XL 4.6-liter V8 FourStroke engines. To learn more, click here.

By Andrew Nabors – September 09, 2019

BRABUS G V12 900 Limited Edition Unveiled

On the cover of our August issue was the latest from Brabus. Our friends in Germany specialize in building the best examples of Mercedes-AMG vehicles. As such, the Brabus 700 Widestar offers 700 horsepower and 701 lb-ft of torque. It can reach 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, but some of us need more...Reaching the practical limits of the AMG V8, they have taken a page from the past. The Brabus G V12 900 limited edition has been unveiled. Browse Brabus G-Class For Sale This is the one we've been waiting for. It combines the aggressive Widestar body with an old friend, the AMG twin-turbo V12. Mercedes-AMG will not build another G65, because they have replaced the V12 with V8 engines in every model except the S 600 L. From this 6.0L block, it is bored and stroked to 6.3L, using the same bore and stroke found on classic Mercedes-AMG models. Brabus engineers have been building incredible engines for decades, and this handbuilt masterpiece is comprised of forged internals. Only ten examples will be assembled. Each G V12 900 will arrive on Brabus 24" wheels. They are wrapped in 335/25 tires, nearly twice as wide as the G550. Then attention moves to the inside. Their master upholsterers transform leather into art. These hand-stitched hides can be found on almost everywhere, with carbon fiber trim accents. Under this is extensive sound and heat insulation. It is needed because the dual 3.1" exhaust has electronic dual-mode flaps. It can't be quiet when provoked, because their engine offers 900 horsepower and 1,106 lb-ft of torque. This proved too much for the axles and transmission, so it is limited to ONLY 885 lb-ft before delivery. It is capable of reaching 62 mph in 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 174 mph. A Brabus speedometer is calibrated to reach 186 mph. This is the only way you can have the best of both worlds. The incredible abilities of the Widestar with Thor's Hammer under the hood. All 10 examples will be numbered and badged as a limited edition, so don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of history. Click the link above and contact Brabus for pricing and specifications.

By Andrew Nabors – June 03, 2019

Brabus Unveils Black Ops 800 & Shadow 800 G63 AMG

Say what you want about the Geländewagen, it is an incredible SUV with decades of dominance. We have a new Mercedes-AMG G63 downstairs, and it is the measure to which every other SUV should be compared. But it you want more power and incredible amenities, Brabus has unveiled the Black Ops 800 & Shadow 800 G63 AMG. Released over the weekend, the Black Ops 800 arrived on the German island of Sylt. This kicks off the Brabus VIP Summer tour 2019, which will include several high-profile events. At the same time, the Brabus Shadow 800 was unveiled at Top Marques Monaco 2019. Brutal Power Only ten examples of each will be produced, each one offering 800 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. This will allow them to rach 62 mph in 4.1 seconds, with an electronic speed limiter at 150 mph. Both models will also arrive with 23" Brabus Platinum Edition forged wheels. They are 11" wide and wear 305/35 tires. Black Ops 800 Interior Black Ops 800 Sylt is a German island near the border of Denmark. This ancient Viking stronghold was the perfect setting for the Black Ops 800. It is based on the Brabus Widestar, being 4" wider than a standard G63. The red wheel accents are complimented by naked glossy carbon in several places. The interior is dark gray and black leather along with red contrast stitching. Brushed aluminum and carbon fiber make the interior truly unique. Shadow 800 Interior Shadow 800 Monaco is the perfect setting for the Shadow, as it was placed next to the latest Brabus boat. The Brabus 500 Shadow Ops boat is 30' long and developed in Finland by Axopar Boats. Like the boat, the Shadow 800 is painted in Gunmetal Gray. In contrast to its brother, the Widestar parts are finished in gloss black. The real treat is on the inside. Brabus master upholsterers chose black, light gray and red leather. It has pinpoint quilting in several sections, and the A-Pillars are Alcantara. Both models have dual mode exhaust. The pipes open for the roar of the Valkyries, or you can sneak back home in "Coming Home" mode. Both models are also backed by a 3 year/100,000 km warranty and they will be instant collectibles. Click the link below to view our Brabus G63 inventory and stay with us for all Brabus updates. Browse Brabus G63 For Sale Related: Brabus 800 Widestar G63 Unveiled in Geneva Brabus 800 Revealed: Supercar Based on Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S

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