Mercedes-Benz News

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

Two black luxury SUVs, including a G-Wagon with Widetrack & Aero Kits, are parked on a smooth, neutral-colored surface in an Urban Automotive-inspired studio setting with soft, even lighting.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 09, 2025

Urban Automotive Launches Widetrack & Aero Kit Packages F...

The new G-Wagon gets a new look thanks to Urban Automotive. The evolution behind the beloved Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a story for the ages, transforming itself from an 80s military-esque 4x4 with a historic background to an off-road-capable luxury SUV now enjoyed by a worldwide community of owners and enthusiasts. Designed and engineered to fit the needs of practically any lifestyle, one of the most notable aspects of the G-Wagon is its vast aftermarket offerings from countless brands that share the same passion for Mercedes-Benz's most popular SUV. The latest Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon W465 just got a bold makeover thanks to Urban Automotive's new Widetrack and Aero Kit packages. If you're into wide-body G-Wagons that turn heads, the Widetrack is all about making a serious statement. This version loads on the carbon fiber with over 40 custom parts, including flared arches, a redesigned front bumper with honeycomb mesh, and a sharp new front splitter. Add in the vented carbon fiber bullnose hood with a UA badge and matching rear bumper diffuser, and you've got a G-Wagon that looks unlike any other on the road. Hand-built Urban-Vossen UV-7 23-inch alloy wheels, made exclusively in Miami, add an extra custom touch. For those who want something more understated, the Aero Kit still brings that high-end Urban touch with pieces like a carbon roof light cluster and rear spoiler. Whether you go all in on the Widetrack or keep it smooth with the Aero Kit, the upgrades feel natural to the G-Wagon's iconic look rather than slapped-on extras. It's all in small details like elevated materials, clean panel alignment, and integrated parts like billet aluminum exhaust finishes and hand-crafted mesh touches. Both kits are now available for order through Urban Automotive and their international partners, with options to either purchase a complete vehicle or have your own G-Wagon transformed. These upgrades are compatible with all three variants (G63, G500, and G450d), and Urban even offers retrofitting for earlier models. Built at their Milton Keynes HQ, everything is done in-house with a focus on long-term value and quality. View All Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons For Sale Source: Urban Automotive

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 27, 2024

Mansory Reveals New Gronos & Grand Entrée G-Wagon Convers...

Mansory takes on the new G-Class. Whether it’s over-the-top style, unique carbon fiber design, or complete transformations of the world’s greatest supercars, exotic cars, or luxury cars, Mansory is responsible for some of the automotive world’s most unique creations. However, with Mercedes-Benz revealing the new generation of the G-Class SUV, Mansory has revealed a new set of customizations for the newest iteration of the luxury SUV icon. Two variants of G-Class customizations have been made by Mansory, the Gronos and the Grand Entrée. Both are based on the new Mercedes-AMG G 63, and they premiered among one of the world’s pinnacle luxury spectacles, the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show. For the launch of the new Mansory Gronos and Grand Entrée, a limited edition of 8 units each will be created. Borth feature Mansory’s signature style, with exposed carbon fiber showcased throughout the revised bodywork, and dramatic styling reimagined for the new facelifted Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. First shown on the Mansory Pugnator, Mansory’s take on the new Ferrari Purosangue, the custom Mansory FC.5 rims are present in the Gronos and Grand Entrée, in a 24-inch size. Mansory revised the performance of the iconic SUV as well, bringing its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 to a massive 820 horsepower over the standard 535. Torque is increased as well, and the revised vehicle gets from 0-60 in just 4.0 seconds. In addition to Mansory’s well-known suite of interior customizations for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the new Gronos and Grand Entrée for the 2025 G-Class also feature carbon fiber sport pedals, enhancing the performance-oriented character and the Mansory individualization factor. With its well-known craftsmanship and eye-catching design, the latest Mercedes-Benz G-Class finally got its Mansory makeover. View All Mercedes-AMG G 63s For Sale Image Source: Mansory

delta4x4 Mercedes GClass Caterpillar Normal GClass

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 20, 2022

Delta 4x4 Will Convert Your Mercedes-AMG G63 Into An All-...

From tarmac to snow, the Mercedes-AMG G63 showcases its talents with help from Delta 4x4. As if the Mercedes-AMG G63 couldn’t become more adventurous and versatile, the German off-road specialists at Delta 4x4 pride themselves on taking things to the next level with aftermarket upgrades and accessories. Delta 4x4 is excited to showcase its most capable G-Wagon build, featuring a set of caterpillar tracks designed to gain maximum traction upon any surface imaginable. The inspiration behind the special project came courtesy of a client’s special order request, suggesting a snow-driven system that would get be able to transport him nearly 2 miles above altitude to his mountain cabin in the Swiss Alps. MUST-READ: The Best Mercedes-Benz G-Class You Can Buy Today Starting with a subtle 8-inch lift, Delta 4x4 makes more room beneath the fenders to fit the enormous caterpillar tracks. The tracks mount easily to Mercedes-AMG’s axles and work in unison with the performance SUV’s sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. When tested in the harsh snowy terrain of the South German region, the winterized Mercedes-AMG G36 performs just as well as it would on a smooth tarmac. For those looking to enhance their Mercedes-AMG G-Wagon with a lift, caterpillar tracks, and testing, the upgrade will set you back around $74,000. For an additional $22,000, clients will also receive the LED roof rack, front brush bar, and a set of bigger wheels for summer fun. View all current Mercedes-AMG G36 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Mercedes-AMG G63 For Sale Source: Delta 4x4

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 22, 2021

BRABUS Announces The All-New 800 SUV Coupé Based On The G...

The new BRABUS 800 SUV Coupé can keep up with any supercar on tracks or open roads. While the performance-focused vehicles produced by Mercedes-AMG come with enough power to set lap times, some believe that the limits could be pushed even further. The professionals at BRABUS are the brains behind this thought, engineering AMG models with visual and performance upgrades to unleash its maximum capabilities. The newest vehicle to receive the BRABUS treatment is the Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupé 4MATIC, featuring an astonishing upgraded twin-turbocharged 8-cylinder engine that produces 800-horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. Likewise part of this transformation is the plug-and-play BRABUS PowerXtra auxiliary control unit, which is adapted to the engine electronics of the GLE 63 S. It provides the engine with new mapping for injection, boost pressure control, and ignition. MUST-READ: New BRABUS 900 Rocket Edition Revealed With Supercar Power Alongside the added performance, the exterior of the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S is redesigned to present a more aggressive styling for the new super SUV. All components sport an exposed-carbon finish with a choice of high-gloss or matte sealer. A series of air ducts and diffusers allow for optimum cooling and aerodynamics to achieve the perfect balance at high speeds. Of course, BRABUS also offers BRABUS Monoblock alloys in different designs and with diameters from 22 to 24 inches for the GLE 63 Coupe. BRABUS enjoys world renown in the area of interior design as well. The company upholstery shop creates exclusive BRABUS fine leather appointments for the BRABUS 800 SUV Coupe by request, tailored to the customer’s personal preferences. The process is especially soft and breathable leather as well as Alcantara in any desired color meticulously by hand. The selection of upholstery designs with precise quilting and perforations is just as extensive. The precious wood and carbon BRABUS interior sets also offer maximum individuality in terms of colors and surface finishes. The BRABUS 800 SUV Coupe can be ordered as a complete car. Alternatively, any GLE 63 S can be converted to this specification all at once or in stages. Media/Information Source: BRABUS

By Andrew Nabors – August 18, 2020

INKAS Armored Unveils Mercedes-AMG G63 Limo

The idea of a longer wheelbase G-Class is nothing new, and neither is an armored car. But now you can have both in the same luxury SUV. Inkas Armored has unveiled a stretched Mercedes-AMG G63 that is loaded with ballistic armor. Using overlapping door jambs and thick composite windows, it is certified to CEN 1063 BR6 for the cockpit and drivetrain. Thanks to a disappearing powered Smart TV, you will be entertained and connected to the world outside. Their surround sound system will overpower the noise of small arms fire, and you will be safe from anything up to 7.62 NATO, and hand grenades. Click here to find a new 2020 Mercedes-AMG G63 for sale and then click the button below to learn what Inkas Armored has to offer. Learn More " width="680">

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