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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 luxury van with tinted windows and black alloy wheels is parked on pavement in front of a gray shipping container, showcasing the premium appeal of FariCars' luxury vans.

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 23, 2025

Why You Should Buy These Luxury Vans For Sale At FariCars...

If you’ve been thinking about owning a custom luxury van, now is the time to seize the opportunity. Traveling in style can happen in a number of different ways, but one of the most versatile and comfortable is in an executive luxury van. A vast world of customization potential is available for these vans, and many execute stylish exterior finishes, as well. One firm known for its ultra-luxurious van customization is FariCars, which specializes in transforming vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and the Mercedes-Benz Metris into a luxury oasis made for customers to travel in sumptuous style and unmatched comfort. While FariCars has a luxurious inventory of executive vans for sale, another advantage is available, as FariCars vehicles can be eligible for Section 179 tax savings. Section 179 of the IRS tax code offers owners of qualifying business vehicles significant deductions, and, according to FariCars, vehicles qualify if the business “purchased or financed qualifying new or used business equipment, including certain business-use vehicles, during the 2025 tax year.” In addition, the business needs to put the equipment into service between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, use the equipment for business purposes more than 50% of the time, and spend less than $4,270,000 in new or used business equipment. The deadline is quickly approaching to take advantage of these tax savings, and there are still vehicles for sale at FariCars with elegant designs, luxurious features, and high-tech equipment. If you’ve been considering adding a luxury van to your collection, an excellent opportunity to own one is available now. View some luxury vans for sale from FariCars below, and click the button to view the entire FariCars inventory. View All FariCars For Sale 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris View Listing 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris View Listing 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris View Listing 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris View Listing *This is not tax advice. Refer to your accountant when making tax decisions.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 26, 2024

The Cultivated Collector Takes A Deep Dive On This Merced...

This AMG is unlike any other you've seen before. In a world where the future of automobiles is electrified with more sustainable platforms, the collector car market is flocking with purists looking to preserve the earliest eras of sports cars. Recently skyrocketing in both popularity and value are Pre-Merger AMGs, cars officially produced prior to the 1993 joint venture with Mercedes-Benz. Their distinct builds often feature widebody kits and super vibrant color combinations, now recognized as some of the most desirable specs in the world. Renowned for its status as a source and dealer of the finest investment-grade vehicles, the team at The Cultivated Collector recently took a deep dive inside a recent gem (now sold) from its inventory on its newest episode of Automobiles Of Distinction, a Mercedes Benz 560 SEC AMG 6.0 Widebody. The 560 SEC AMG, with only around 50 units ever made, stands out as one of the most exclusive pre-merger AMG cars in existence. This particular 560 SEC AMG 6.0 Widebody, originally delivered by AMG Japan, is likely the only one of its kind. Painted in an eye-catching Malachite Green, this chassis (number 604851) showcases an impressive level of customization by AMG Japan. Its features include Recaro CSE seats enhanced with premium leather and piping, expansive wood trim, leather-wrapped gauges, an unusual and striking rear wing, and a high-end Nakamichi stereo system. Maintaining a high degree of authenticity, the 560 SEC AMG has been thoroughly documented, authenticated, and carefully brought back to its prime by specialists at Blue Ridge MB. View The Cultivated Collector's inventory of timeless exotics on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View The Cultivated Collector's Inventory Source: The Cultivated Collector YouTube

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 31, 2021

A Pair Of Rare Mercedes-Benz AMG Icons For Sale At Speeda...

The rich heritage of Mercedes-Benz embodies luxury design and performance throughout its fleet of historic and modern-day sports cars. The supercar specialists at Speedart Motorsports in Miami, Florida are proud to offer an extensive collection of highly collectible vehicles, including a 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series and a 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution II. The two pristine examples highlight the progression of Mercedes-Benz and its AMG division as a leader in motorsports. In a perfect world, both chassis would sit perfectly together in a collection with dedicated time to enjoy each on the road or track. 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series This 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series presents itself as a track weapon with an aggressive Designo Graphite Gray Magno exterior finish. With loads of carbon fiber exterior components, the body design focuses on creating the aerodynamics needed to tackle any circuit on the planet. Delivering a mind-blowing 720-horsepower to the rear wheels of the AMG GT Black Series is Mercedes-Benz’s 4.0L M178 LS2 Bi-Turbo V8. Managing the power output is a state-of-the-art 7-Speed dual-clutch transmission that launches the Black Series from 0-60mph in just 3.2-seconds. The interior layout features a Black Exclusive Nappa Leather design with Dinamica Orange highlights. Along with carbon interior accents to match its exterior, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series cabin design boasts a perfect blend of luxury amenities and track-inspired performance upgrades. This 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series is currently available at Speedart Motorsports with only 220-miles for $575,000. View Listing 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution II This 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution II is your chance at owning a piece of history, being No. 473 of 502 Tourenwagen Homologation Specials. The exterior is finished in a Blauschwarz Metallic paint scheme, which presents a blue and black shade depending on lighting conditions. Along with its shifting paint code, the 190E Evolution II features exterior body components that help add aerodynamics to its lightweight 90s track-inspired design. The powertrain equipped to sprint the 190E Evolution II from 0-60mph in 6-seconds is a Cosworth-built 2.5L Inline-4 paired with a traditional 6-Speed manual transmission. Inside the Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution II, the interior layout focuses on a modest design that includes Black perforated leather Recaro seats and period-correct wood trim paneling. This collector grade 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution II is currently available with only 11,339-miles at Speedart Motorsports for $475,000. View Listing While both examples highlight the past and present of Mercedes-Benz, they both share similarities as chassis that push the boundaries of traditional automotive manufacturing. With two clean and complete chassis from Speedart Motorsports, would you choose the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series or the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution II to add to your garage? Source: Speedart Motorsports

By Andrew Nabors – March 24, 2020

Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables-Bringing Service To You

As the Coronavirus continues to impact our community, here are some details on what Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables is doing to help support our customers and staff. While we remain open for business, we have made adjustments of regular operations to reduce unnecessary contact and support the need for preventative measures to keep us all healthy. Based on recommendations published by the CDC and advice we are receiving through the Mercedes-Benz network, we are: • offering pickup and delivery for all vehicles that require servicing (within the zip codes we serve). Call us at 305-882-9949 to make arrangements. • bringing the Mercedes-Benz of your choice to you for a test drive as well as encouraging the purchase/lease of vehicles to be handled remotely (there is no need to visit the dealership). Visit our website to see our inventory. Call our sales department at 305-770-6455. • maintaining our regular business hours as they appear on our website. • maintaining exceptionally sanitized areas for both employees and guests. • refraining from handshakes, but still offering a warm and welcoming smile! Our goal during this uncertain time is to provide you with a clean, safe environment as we continue our dedication to providing you with outstanding customer service. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 305-770-6455. Thank you for your business and trust in Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables. Click Here To Schedule Service " width="680"> Contact Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables Website: https://www.mbcoralgables.com/ Phone Number: 786-284-1114 Address: 300 Almeria Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134

By Edward Jones – October 01, 2019

Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables: An AMG Performance Center

Presented by Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables - Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables is immensely proud to have the AMG® Performance Center designation. This means our dealership has the opportunity to deliver the absolute finest in automotive craftsmanship and engineering to the South Florida market. Our AMG® specialists are on hand to help find you exactly what you are looking for in your next AMG® whether it is a special order or you select one of the amazing vehicles from our extensive new or preowned inventory. When looking at the current and future AMG® line-up, this is exciting beyond words. Whether it’s a G-wagon, a GT R Pro, an SL 63, GLE Coupé, or any of the other incredible models, we cannot wait to get you behind the wheel of your dream Mercedes-AMG®. visit mbcoralgables.com All AMG® engines are hand-built, using a "one man, one engine" philosophy at the current AMG® Headquarters in Affalterbach, Germany. To signify this, each AMG® engine builder stamps the engines they produce with an engraved plaque depicting their signature. As part of the official Mercedes-Benz product line, the AMG® models are sold side-by-side with regular production models. Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables can demonstrate the unique features and pleasures that one of our Mercedes-Benz AMG® products can provide to you. And, we won’t just provide you with your next AMG vehicle, we will also help you take care of it. A dedicated service advisor will help you through the process of caring for your vehicle. All of our technicians are Mercedes-Benz Certified, assuring that your AMG is in the best hands possible. With more than 60 years in business, family-owned Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables is the second oldest Mercedes-Benz dealer in the nation. The dealership is admired industry-wide for its continued record sales and its reputation for superb customer service. For more information, visit the showroom at 300 Almeria Avenue in Coral Gables, online at www.mbcoralgables.com or call 305-445-8593. view mb of coral gables' inventory Presented by Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables has a convenient location, which allows us to serve the greater Miami area and Florida Keys communities. We take great pride in being an exceptional and reliable place for drivers and car shoppers to find high-quality service every time.

By Andrew Nabors – September 07, 2016

Mercedes AMG GT R Unveiled at Mercedes-Benz of Tampa

As one of the most successful AMG Certified dealers in the country, Mercedes-Benz of Tampa was host to Mercedes-AMG's latest supercar. Last night, the AMG GT R was the centerpiece of an invitation only event. Prospective buyers were able to interact with the car with AMG specialists to better understand its abilities. The most obvious departure from previous models is the revised front end.(Related: Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Stuns in Chantilly)With larger turbos resting inboard of the 4.0L V8, more cooling capacity is needed. Almost 20 psi of forced induction along with a more aggressive exhaust allow the car to offer 577 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. A 2015 SLS AMG (6.2L V8) was placed in the background for comparison. The new car makes 7 less horsepower but 37 more pound-feet of torque. More torque from a much smaller engine is just one of the ways the GT R is more efficient. Extensive use of carbon fiber body panels includes the roof, rocker panels, and a full length belly pan. The body is almost 2" wider than the GT S, which allows for more aggressive Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.A new traction control system is exclusive to this model has 9 distinct modes controlled by an F1 style knob on the center console. Race ready seats with deep bolsters are built to accept a 5-point harness along with enough padding for a weekend cruise. With a top speed of 198 mph, the new AMG GT R is lighter and faster than its predecessor. A big thank you to Bob Murray and his team for allowing us to be part of this event, so stay with us for updates as the production models begin arriving. In the meantime be sure to check out the full lineup of new AMG models in their inventory.View Dealer Inventory

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