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 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 – October 04, 2017

Race Driver's Wedding Car is a Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM

Weddings always end with one thing: driving away in a car. The wedding car is usually a nice, air conditioned luxury car with a chauffeur. For Maro Engel, a German professional race driver, his wedding car was a Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM.Instead of opting for air conditioning and plush seats, Engel drove away from his momentous day in a extreme C 63. Engel said that the team offered the car for the event and that he had to discuss it with his wife, Steffi. "I knew, of course, that this is not necessarily the air-conditioned luxury vehicle that you would normally have on the way back to your hotel," said Maro. "Also, climbing into the car as well as the heat in the cockpit obviously present certain challenges."Gordon Ramsay Spotted in his Ferrari California T

By Edward Jones – June 09, 2017

Drake Buys a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Almost a year ago exactly we covered Drake's brand-new Lamborghini Aventador Roadster. Now, we're talking about another car purchase of his, but this one is definitely more unique.Posted on his Instagram account was a picture of his an his new-to-him Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. This car was produced from 2003 to 2010, with multiple variants being produced over the course of its production run. The original SLR McLaren has a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine under its hood that produces 617 horsepower and 580 lb-ft of torque-- this car is an absolute rocket.I'm not saying Drake made a great choice in purchasing this car, I'm saying he made an absolutely fantastic choice and, boy, am I jealous. Check out the Instagram posts below to see Champagne Papi and his new car below. Also, you can ride like Drake and pick up a Mercedes-SLR McLaren of your own.https://www.instagram.com/p/BVGeXCsBg1K/https://www.instagram.com/p/BVGUg4HjtO8/https://www.instagram.com/p/BVGtl4MjMGD/

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 Andrew Nabors – July 11, 2016

Linkin Park Livery on Mercedes-AMG GT3

Mercedes-AMG and Linkin Park have joined forces again for the upcoming 24 hours of Spa. A few months ago, the band traveled to the AMG driving academy to get acquainted with the new GT-S. It obviously left an impression, as they will be featured prominently on Team Black Falcon's factory-backed GT3 car. As part of the Blancpain Endurance Series, it will be unveiled at the 24 hours of Spa later this month.(Also Check Out - Revealed: 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R)The first example of the AMG GT3 was a collaboration with Cigarette Racing Team, and it was built to dominate. Instead of the new reverse-flow 4.0L twin turbo, they dusted off the 6.2L from the SLS. Mr duPont bought the first SLS AMG roadster in the US back in 2011, and its hand-built V8 was simply incredible. GT3 racing is one of the most demanding forms of motorsport, because all teams are limited by intake restrictions that level the playing field. At least the drivers will have a great soundtrack to play for the race later this month. Stay with us for more Mercedes-AMG news and full coverage of the race.Mercedes-AMG GT-S For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – March 07, 2016

Hugo BOSS and Mercedes-Benz Team Up for Race Inspired Clo...

When two innovative brands team up to create something new, we know it's going to be pretty special. Recently, Hugo BOSS and Mercedes-Benz came together to create a track-inspired clothing line. With Mercedes AMG Petronas drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg as their silhouettes, Hugo BOSS fashioned a head-to-toe line that promotes function, performance, and sleek design-- much like the AMG itself.From shirts and pants to jackets, shoes and belts, the line has everything needed to create that perfect, polished look. The line also includes formal wear for those events that need a little dressing up. Check out the full line here. What do you think of the look? Anything you'll be adding to your closet? Let us know in the comments below.Mercedes-Benz AMGs For Sale

By Caitlin Duffy – October 15, 2015

Mercedes-Benz Preps for Back to the Future Day

In 1989, a movie was released that proposed a view of what the world might look like in the future. Hover cars, hover boards, holograms and crazy fashion were just the first few things director Robert Zemeckis thought might appear in such a world, and who better to navigate it than the dynamic duo of Doc Brown and Marty McFly?"Back to the Future Part II" saw the time-traveling pair check out a time 20 years ahead of their own, taking the DeLorean to the far distant future of 2015.They didn't quite get every prediction right; fashion may have gotten weird, but it didn't go space punk, and holograms are limited to stage performances, rather than jumping out of billboards, but there were a few things they hit right on the head.Of course, that future isn't exactly distant anymore. In fact, their landing date in the future was Oct. 21, 2015 - just six days from now.And Mercedes-Benz is hoping to make up for the difference between what they predicted and what we actually have.In honor of the upcoming Back to the Future day, the German manufacturer has released a series of short videos on YouTube, each looking at ways their innovative F 015 Luxury in Motion Research Vehicle could plausibly fit into the world visited by Doc, played by Christopher Lloyd, and Marty, played by Michael J. Fox.Toyota has also jumped in on the "BTTF2" bandwagon, and has a few celebrations in store for the date they visited. Ahead of those, they released a YouTube video Oct. 14, bringing the movie's two stars together for a quick chat in a diner about what their predictions did and did not get right.Check out the videos above and below, and find your own DeLorean for proper Back to the Future celebrations from our exclusive listings.DeLoreans For Sale (Source: YouTube) See More Celebrity Car News

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