Celebrity Cars

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 Khris Bharath – September 18, 2025

Roger Federer and Mercedes-Benz Revive San Francisco’s Jo...

What happens when you have a luxury automaker, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, and one of tennis’s most celebrated tournaments team up? Well, in San Francisco, the answer is six freshly resurfaced public tennis courts at John McLaren Park. This is the latest chapter of Neon Legacy, a joint initiative launched in 2021 by Roger Federer and Mercedes-Benz to make tennis more accessible and leave something tangible behind in every host city of the Laver Cup (named after Australian tennis player, Rodney George Laver, who has 11 Grand Slam singles titles to his name). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Laver Cup (@lavercup) For the San Francisco project, Neon Legacy partnered with the Laver Cup and the USTA Foundation. Together, they delivered upgrades that follow similar projects in London, Vancouver, and Berlin, and San Francisco now joins a global map of communities benefiting from this model of corporate-athlete collaboration. Earlier this week, Federer was joined at the event by former professional tennis player and current Laver Cup captain Yannick Noah and San Francisco mayor Daniel Lurie, and several prominent figures from the Bay Area, who cut the ribbon alongside children from local tennis programs. These spaces are meant to inspire the next generation of young athletes who may otherwise have limited access to the sport and also host a series of programs. “Tennis shaped my life, and I hope this project inspires the next generation.” - Roger Federer , 20-time Grand Slam Champion, Co-founder of the Laver Cup After the Golden Gate Park, John McLaren Park is San Francisco’s second-largest public park, and before this initiative, its courts needed attention. For local families, these new resurfaced courts and revamped facilities will reduce barriers to entry, and for a luxury brand like Mercedes-Benz, it is making a social impact at the community level. The German automaker is also continuing its tradition of supplying G-Class SUVs as team cars, along with an exclusive shuttle fleet for officials and select guests. With the 8th Edition of the Laver Cup set for Chase Center this weekend (September 19-21), expect the city to draw international attention, and while the Swiss Maestro’s presence alone has elevated the project’s visibility, the structural changes on the ground should outlast this headline moment. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale " width="680"> Images: Mercedes-Benz

Eine neue Vision von Luxus mit Mercedes-Benz und Virgil AblohPioneering luxury with Mercedes-Benz and Virgil Abloh

By Edward Jones – July 27, 2020

Mercedes-Benz x Virgil Abloh Present: Project Geländewagen

Mercedes-Benz has teamed up with Virgil Abloh, the famous fashion designer and creative director, to create artwork that's inspired by the G-Class. This new endeavor is being called "Project Geländewagen." Abloh and Gorden Wagener, the Mercedes-Benz Chief Design Officer, are working together for the project in an effort to combine both fashion and art with the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen. “Mercedes-Benz is a brand that stands for luxury and exceptional performance,” says Virgil Abloh. “Truly a perfect chassis to interject modern artists’ ideas of what the future can be stylistically, within conceptual car design.” The artwork will be launched on digital platforms on September 8, 2020, at 10AM EST. A one-of-a-kind replica of the artwork will be auctioned off after the launch, with proceeds benefiting a charity that supports the arts. For more information, stay with us for more information.

By Edward Jones – May 08, 2019

Jon Olsson's 850 HP "Safari" G-Wagon: The Wildest Mercede...

It was back in the end of December 2017 that Jon Olsson cut the roof off of his Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4². Since then, DTMobility has been hard at work turning the SUV known as Lord Hans into what is now Lord Hans 2.0. The result is a new "Safari" G-Wagon that's unlike any other G-Class you'll find. DTMobility took the topless G-Wagon and put on a new "safari" top. Truth be told, having a vehicle without a roof can be a pain in the butt when it rains. They also included new seats, exterior trim and even a tune that bumps up its power to 850 horsepower. After the SUV's unveiling, Olsson was more than pleased with the car. One aspect that he appreciated the most was that the new seats allowed him to see out the windshield without issue. I can easily say that being able to see out of the windshield is definitely something we should all look for in cars. Check out the SUV for yourself in the video up above. see all mercedes g500's for sale https://www.instagram.com/p/BxFklyqH4If/

By Edward Jones – June 27, 2018

Jon Olson Reveals Topless Mercedes G500 4x4²

The madman Jon Olsson received his Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4² just about seven months ago. Shortly after that, he cut the roof off of it and planned on turning it into a one-of-a-kind topless G-Class. Now, he's finished his project and has revealed what the SUV looks like now and it doesn't disappoint.The revamped G-Wagon comes with a small front windshield and absolutely no roof. Seriously, sitting in this thing puts you directly out into the open. It's mental. So far, we only have these Instagram posts of the car but he's going to be dropping a vlog any moment now so stay tuned.https://www.instagram.com/p/BkiNlBFgwS8/https://www.instagram.com/jonolsson1/

By Edward Jones – February 26, 2018

World's First 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Spotted: Roger Federe...

There's no denying that Roger Federer is one of the great tennis players of all-time, if not the greatest, period. After winning his 20th Grand Slam singles title and becoming the No. 1 in men's singles tennis, Federer is living the life. To celebrate his success, Mercedes-AMG has created a special 2019 Mercedes G63 that shows off his accolade of being the top dog. Recently, YouTube channel Wheelson spotted this brand-new Mercedes-AMG G63 driving on the streets of Monaco. This makes it the first time that one of the redesigned G63's was spotted out on the road. Under the hood of the new G63 is the AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, which replaces the 5.5-liter V8 biturbo. Power figures for this engine are 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque — mighty numbers for a mighty SUV. From a stop, the 2019 G63 will run an estimated 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 137 mph or 149 mph if equipped with the AMG Driver’s package. Stay tuned for more car news and we wish Federer luck in his No.1 run! https://www.instagram.com/p/BfTogZPHpo4/?taken-by=mercedesbenz

By Edward Jones – January 08, 2018

Arnold Schwarzenegger Shows Off the World's First Electri...

Once known for bodybuilding a, being the governator and hunting the Predator, Arnold Schwarzenegger is now taking on the electric automobile industry. With help from Kriesel Motors, an Austrian company that has been aiming to be a shaker and mover in the world of electric cars. Recently, Schwarzenegger visited Jay Leno's Garage to give the host a close look at the world's first electric Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen. The SUV is powered by electric motors that can be both charged by plug-in and repowered through regenerative braking. With a lighter weight than a standard G-Wagen, this electric SUV can run 0-62 mph in just 5.6 seconds. That's just 0.2 seconds slower than an AMG G63, which is impressive considering this is not an AMG model. The video below is just a teaser, so stay on the lookout for the full video to come out in due time.World's First Electric Hummer H1https://www.facebook.com/jaylenosgarage/videos/1715092548523041/

By Edward Jones – December 19, 2017

Jon Olsson Cuts Roof Off of Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4²

Not too long ago, Jon Olsson unveiled Lord Hans. What is Lord Hans? That would be Olsson's Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4² that has been heavily customized. It may have looked incredible on its own, but it just wasn't enough for Olsson. You see, originally it was his plan to turn Lord Hans into a convertible and now he's acting on that plan. In his latest vlog video, he takes to the Mercedes-Benz SUV with a power tool and removes all of the metal he deems unnecessary. At the end, he's left with a topless SUV that he will now be able to enter the Monaco parking garages. He also says that he will be adding a few "Rolls-Royce twists" to the G500 before all is said and done. Honestly, I can't wait to see the finished product.

By Edward Jones – November 14, 2017

Jon Olsson has the Meanest G-Class, Ever

Jon Olsson has received his new vehicle, "Lord Hans," named after his brother. His new ride is a very, very heavily modified Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4² that can push out 800 horsepower. It has sirens, LED lights, a roof rack, a winch, bull bar, carbon fiber wheel arches and so much more. Seriously. The G500 comes in a capable form right off of the production line, but Lord Hans is in a class all of "his" own. Lord Hans can swim through the water. Lord Hans can tear through the forests. Lord Hans is truly a Lord.Jon Olsson has, once again, created a vehicle that everyone will be envious of.Jon Olsson's New Rolls-Royce Wraith is The Sickest You'll Ever See Sell My Mercedes G Wagon on duPont REGISTRY.com

By Edward Jones – January 24, 2017

Arnold Schwarzenegger Shows Off Electric G-Wagen

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a big fan of trucks and also a fan of cleaning up the environment. So, it makes sense that he helped debut an all-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen.(Related - Arnold Schwarzenegger Spotted in his Bugatti)The SUV was built by Kreisel Electric, an Austrian company that's obsessed with electric motors. This project has 482.7 hp on tap and is completely all-wheel drive. It houses two electric motors that offers extremely fast charging up to 150 kW. Kreisel Electric notes on their website that this SUV can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds, which is just .2 seconds slower than the AMG G63.Check out the SUV's unveiling in the video below and see Arnold as you'd expect him: leather jacket, cigar in mouth and pythons for arms.All Mercedes-Benz G-Class For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 16, 2015

Rickie Fowler Shows Off Orange G63 AMG

Now that College Football season is back, televisions, phones, computers and tablets are all tuning in to watch their favorite schools battle it out on the field. One person who is most definitely excited about College Football's return is professional golfer Rickie Fowler.On Fowler's Instagram account, you can see him sporting orange clothing, the same orange of the college he attended, Oklahoma State University. While he could just wear the clothing to support his alma matter, he decided to take it a step further and finish his Mercedes-AMG G63 in "Cowboy Orange." According a September 15 article from Bold Ride, this finish perfectly matches the university's colors.https://instagram.com/p/7n7bt2wu5k/Fowler showed off his G63 in Instagram posts Sept. 11 and 15, where it sat on the tarmac in front of a jet. His destination? Lake Forest, Illinois for the BMW Championship. For this tournament, Fowler (No. 3), has been grouped with Jason Day (No. 1) and Jordan Spieth (No. 2), making for an exciting group that needs to be watched.Be sure to watch the BMW Championship, starting Sept. 17 11:30 am EST, to see him in action.G63 AMGs For Sale(Source: Instagram via BoldRide.com) See More Celebrity Car News

Celebrity Cars

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe