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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

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 03, 2022

Drake Features Virgil Abloh's Mercedes-Benz Project MAYBA...

From one-of-a-kind Patek Philippe watches to one-off Mercedes-Maybach builds, Drake and Virgil Abloh hold a special bond. With an impressive collection that once featured a yellow Ferrari LaFerrari, Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet, and Rolls-Royce Cullinan by Chrome Hearts, Canadian rapper Drake defines himself as a true car enthusiast that continues to upgrade his garage with new examples. Sharing a similar artistic vision with fashion icon and friend Virgil Abloh, Drake pays homage to his life and love for luxury cars by featuring the Mercedes-Benz Project MAYBACH in his most recent ‘Sticky’ music video. Showcasing itself as a luxury off-road concept, Project MAYBACH adapts to its outdoor environment while shooting camping scenes with the award-winning performer. MUST-READ: Mercedes-Benz Project MAYBACH With Virgil Abloh The inspiration behind Project Maybach was complete creative freedom, the great outdoors, and re-contextualizing a traditionally metropolitan brand within a distinctly off-road environment. Project MAYBACH channels Abloh’s passion to challenge the status quo and re-write the rulebook of aspirational design. The X-Factor nature of Project MAYBACH results not only from its breathtaking size (nearly 20 feet long) and characteristics. While Project MAYBACH was inspired by his creative efforts, the Mercedes-Benz teams thank Virgil Abloh for the inspiration to explore the power of cross-industry dialogue. Watch Mercedes-Benz Project MAYBACH’s cameo in Drake’s new ‘Sticky’ music video by clicking on the video link above. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle and celebrity car news. Source: Drake YouTube

By Edward Jones – April 07, 2021

Ian Poulter Rolls Up to the 2021 Masters in a Mercedes-Ma...

You have to roll up in style when it comes to The Masters. Professional golfer and Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador Ian Poulter is getting ready for The Masters to start on April 8 through practice and a luxurious drive. The Mercedes-Benz USA Instagram account recently shared a photo of Poulter at the Augusta National Golf Course next to his ride for the tournament, a Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600. This is a perfect choice for someone who is looking to get into the competitive mindset. Why? It's interior provides the driver with an incredibly comfortable atmosphere that's quiet and plush. This quiet space inside the luxury SUV allows athletes like Poulter to breathe easily and get rid of pressures from the outside. What's more, his muscles can get some relief in the driver's seat as he's able to pick through a wide-range of massage features that will ease tension before he tees off. There are many reasons as to why the GLS 600 is such a fantastic SUV. You should actually check out our recent article that looked at why the ultra-rich are buying the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600. See GLS 600s For Sale The 2021 Masters. Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador Ian Poulter during a practice round at Augusta National Golf Club. (Source: Mercedes-Benz)

By Edward Jones – March 09, 2021

Drake Turned a Mercedes-Maybach SUV Into a Luxury Snowplow

Here in Florida, we've never seen snowplows roaming out in the streets. In Canada, however, they're a common occurrence. In Drake's latest music video for "What's Next," he features a Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 SUV. This SUV has a starting MSRP of $160,000 and each of them comes loaded with luxurious appointments and features. I can say that this is the most luxurious and fashionable snow plow that I've ever seen. In the music video, you can see Drake hanging out of the window of this Maybach SUV as it plows the streets of Toronto. @tonybet was the man behind the car, but that's expected considering he's Drake's go-to guy for all of his rides. Check out the Maybach for yourself in the music video down below. See All Mercedes Maybach GLS 600s For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CMCUOUvh7yc/ " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 27, 2020

Ludacris Shows Off His New Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600

An increase in demand for luxurious sport utility vehicles has left manufacturers such as Mercedes-Maybach to design its version. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 focuses its efforts on providing ultimate comfort for the driver and passengers with features such as an active air ride for entering and exiting the vehicle. American-Gabonese Rapper, Ludacris, took to Instagram to show off his personal Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 presented in a blue and silver exterior with a sparkling white interior. The luxury SUV by Mercedes-Maybach is currently available with a starting price of $160,500 before options. Ludacris’ posts reveal that he is more than excited about the new addition to his fleet of vehicles. https://www.instagram.com/p/CGvPAIhBhKV/

By Edward Jones – October 12, 2020

LeBron James Just Got an Insane Mercedes-Maybach G650 Lan...

If you haven't heard, and I'm sure you have heard, the LA Lakers beat the Miami Heat last night and are now the 2020 NBA Champions. Taking the MVP award was none other than LeBron James, making this his fourth NBA Finals MVP. LeBron is undoubtedly celebrating his team's win and it looks like he may be celebrating in a new ride. Tony Bet of Driving Emotions Toronto recently posted a gallery on Instagram of an extraordinarily rare Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet with the caption: "Congrats to @kingjames on the championship! Enjoy the new whip @drivingemotionstoronto". You can see the post for yourself down below. So, yeah. It looks like LeBron is now the proud owner of what is most certainly the most luxurious Mercedes SUV. If you haven't heard of the G650 Landaulet, it's a very rare SUV that features all of the amenities you'd expect from a Mercedes-Maybach but it G-Wagon style. The coolest part has to be the rear seats that sit under the folding roof, allowing the passengers to enjoy the fresh air in complete luxury. See All G650 Landaulets For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CGP11mPpgsF/

By Edward Jones – February 22, 2019

Drake Buys a Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet

Drake has just purchased a new SUV from Tony Bet at Driving Emotion Toronto, and it's a beauty. Drake has been a common occurrence on this blog due to his penchant for buying remarkable cars. His latest purchase for is a pretty rare one, and unlike many others he's purchased. Drake's new addition to his collection is called the Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet, which was revealed by Tony Bet on Instagram. Drake Performs Song With LaFerrari Floating in Air Mercedes introduced the Landaulet into their Mercedes-Maybach lineup as an off-road capable vehicle that's jampacked with luxury. When I say jampacked, I mean it. In the rear of the SUV, you'll notice an open-top, which resides over the incredibly spacious rear seats. Basically, the Landaulet is the Maybach SUV we never knew we wanted. Congrats to Drake on his new purchase! If you're interested in getting a Landaulet, click the button below to see what we currently have in stock. view mercedes-maybach landaulets for sale https://www.instagram.com/p/BuL1qCKgxxa/

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