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

Mercedes-Benz News

Mercedes-Benz news fromduPont REGISTRY News, updated daily, covering the S-Class, the Maybach range, the AMG models, the G-Class and the electric line-up. Our reporting takes in reveals, first drives, bespoke builds and the auction results that set collector values. Mercedes-Benz competes across more segments than almost any rival, so the news here runs unusually wide. Our marketplace supplies the part most publications leave out entirely. A great many of these cars are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which puts a review and a real asking price side by side. For Mercedes-Benz news today, and the luxury car market news around it, start here.

By Andrew Nabors – May 22, 2018

Mercedes-Benz Unveils 2019 E53 AMG Sedan

Until now, horsepower and fun have usually been sacrificed for efficiency. But Mercedes-Benz has literally shocked us with a press release this morning. The new E53 AMG uses a 48-volt electrical system to power an "EQ Boost" supercharger. Electric blowers are not a new concept, but they are inefficient at 12 volts, requiring more from the alternator than the power they added to the engine.Now the game has changed. The E53 sedan uses a 3.0 liter straight six and a conventional turbo to make 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. In addition to the 48-volt blower, the EQ boost generator also serves as the starter. It also performs hybrid functions like regenerative braking and adding torque in certain situations. This allows it to run 0-60 in 4.3 seconds with a computer-limited top speed of 130 mph. It will also be one of the few gas-powered luxury sedans to offer the fuel mileage of a hybrid. 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan (Euro spec)Don't be scared, the interior and all accessories are still 12v powered, from a solid-state MOSFET transformer. They must have reverse-engineered a Koenigsegg to see what makes it so efficient and reliable at the same time. The hybrid boost feature has the ability to add 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed, and it will make this AWD sedan the ultimate sleeper. The only way it could be better is with plug-in charging and an HV battery, but Mercedes-Benz is saving that for their full electric future. Production will begin soon in Affalterbach, and they will arrive by the end of summer. Until then, take a look at these great deals on the E63 AMG from our dealers.Browse Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG For Sale 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan (Euro spec)

By Andrew Nabors – December 21, 2017

2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon Revealed

Not everyone wants a crossover. Big SUVs are never going away, but they are lumbering beasts with poor mileage. A wagon is a sensible choice for the modern family, and Mercedes-AMG has some nice proof of that.In a press release last night, we've learned that the E-Class wagon attracts the highest median household income of any product they offer. Boston and NYC represent 23% of wagon sales, with California buying another 22% of them. For five years, the E-Wagons have been without competition from other German brands in the US. Cadillac's CTS wagon was America's answer, but 2014 was its final year.AMG began as two Mercedes engineers who perfected the German performance aftermarket. Back in 1986, their shop in Westmont, IL built the iconic S124 "Hammer Wagon". Its successor is the 2018 E63 S, which arrives with a few nice features. The 4MATIC+ AWD system has been onboard since 2014, but this year it is powered by the same 4.0-liter twin turbo found across the AMG lineup. The 1986 AMG Hammer WagonYou will have 603 horsepower and a bonkers 627 lb-ft of torque between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm. Power of this magnitude allowed it to lap the 'Ring in 7:45.19, and reach 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. The latest in electronic differentials can send 100% of power to any corner at an instant- what a time to be alive! It even has a drift mode for your mother-in-law. Only available in Race mode, it disconnects the front axle for a proper rear tire fryer.Jon Olsson Cuts Roof Off of Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4²The latest in multi-chamber air suspension constantly corner-balances several times a second, with three distinct spring rates to choose from. Of course, the front brakes are 15.4" with 14.2" on the rear. Hidden easter eggs pay tribute to the E55 wagons we loved in the past. Mercedes-Benz and AMG know the value of their history, so the press release also included a Petrolicious video on the Hammer Wagon. Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables has the first example, so click the link below to check it out and stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG updates.Buy a Wagon Now!

By Andrew Nabors – July 13, 2017

Control Everything By Voice In The Updated 2018 Mercedes-...

As a young child, I remember a theme park ride that promised a voice-controlled world by the end of the 90's. The premise was that your life would be easier by voice commands to various appliances and systems. Now that our phones have the ability to interpret our every need, it's time for cars to catch up. Engineers at Mercedes-Benz rose to the challenge, and they efforts will debut on the 2018 E-Series. LINGUATRONIC is the voice control system that has the ability to interpret 22 languages. A press release early this morning outlines the new features.Also Check Out: Brutal Top Speed Mercedes-AMG E63 S on the AutobahnIn addition to the normal navigation and phone commands, the system is now interfaced with vehicle controls. A logical upgrade of the system, it allows for climate, lighting, seats, and 450 individual actions to be controlled by the driver. Since many manufacturers have valued appearance over functionality, trying to make a change to audio or A/C poses a major distraction. Thankfully, Mercedes-Benz knows the Autobahn is a bad place to be reaching for the seat heater. Keep your hands on the wheel and enjoy the different responses to each command. To give the system a human touch, Linguatronic will answer in the affirmative in various ways. Other new options for the E-Class will be a 12.3" center screen. It aligns with the driver's screen to create a seamless display. Twin USB ports for the rear passengers will keep devices charged. And a new trunk closure responds to a gentle tap after unloading groceries. The new E-Class will arrive soon, so check with our dealers for more information and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz news.

By Edward Jones – June 01, 2017

Mercedes-AMG Launches New Campaign for E63 S 4MATIC+

Mercedes-AMG has launched a new campaign for the new and powerful E63 S 4MATIC+. The campaign is centered around a trio of short films created by British photographer Rankin. Daimler notes in a press release regarding the campaign that these films "show the complexity that career people face in their lives today. They have to go their own way to achieve their aims. Much in the same manner as the performance saloon makes its own rules when it comes to driving dynamics."The three new Mercedes-AMG films are titled "Focus Your Energy," "Do Not Waste Anybody's Time," and "Appear Where You Are Not Expected." Each video s howcases the E63 S 4MATIC+, which has a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine. This engine delivers a massive 612 horsepower, making it the most powerful engine ever fitted in an E-Class. That kind of power rockets the car from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. That kind of acceleration is only possibly with the car's AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed sports transmission and the 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system.You can view each of the films below.Focus Your Energy Do Not Waste Anyone's Time Appear Where You Are Not Expected

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By Caitlin Duffy – September 14, 2015

Special Edition Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe & Cabriolet I...

Two new special editions of the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet have been introduced for the fall, bringing the last iteration of the model's fourth generation to an impressive close.Beginning this fall, customers will have the choice of opting for the either the Sport Edition or V8 Edition E-Class Coupes and Cabriolets, and a press release issued by Mercedes-Benz today details what each edition offers. There are also new technology options available for all E-Class models ordered before the 2017 model's introduction.Distinctive air inlets, muscular side sill panels and a radiator with chrome inserts trimmed in high-gloss black will be featured on the Sport Edition's exterior. "Sport Edition" badges can be found on left and right wings, while an AMG spoiler lip and two-pipe exhaust system with trapezoidal tailpipe tips define the rear. A special brilliant blue metallic paint finish is reserved exclusively for these models.In the interior, multi-contour seats are cloaked in either black or natural beige leather while linarite blue and alpaca grey topstitching accents it all. Visual highlights come from your choice of cross-grain bright aluminum, high-gloss black ash, black piano lacquer or dark textured-grain aluminum. Black velour mats with "Sport Edition" lettering sit comfortably on the ground. Pricing for the Sport Edition is an additional €4,367.30, or $4,932.52 USD as of press time, on top of the model's base price. Mercedes-Benz E 400 Hybrid (W212) 2014, US-Version The V8 Edition, priced at €7,973 or $9,004 USD, is available exclusively for the E500 Coupe and E500 Cabriolet. 408 hp comes from the V8 of each model, while "V8 Edition" badges are found on each wing. A special paint finish of either selenite grey metallic or designo diamond white bright is available for these models, while titanium grey-painted, high-sheen, 19-inch, AMG, multi-spoke light-alloy wheels tie it all together.The interior features porcelain or red leather with black contrast stitching on the seats, while the center console features an inverse pattern of black leather with procelain or classic red topstitching.Though the fifth generation of the E-Class, as we learned July 9, is set to be introduced in January 2016, customers purchasing an E-Class before then can opt for comprehensive smartphone integration through the use of Apple CarPlay and/or MirrorLink.Stay with us to learn more about other updates from Mercedes-Benz, and find yourself an E-Class from our exclusive listings at the button below.Mercedes-Benz E-Class Listings (Source: Mercedes-Benz, YouTube) See More Mercedes-Benz News

Mercedes-Benz E 400 Hybrid (W212) 2014, US-Version

By Caitlin Duffy – July 09, 2015

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Models Set to Feature New Tech

They may have just released final pricing for the 2016 models on June 15, but development of the 2017 models from Mercedes-Benz is already well under way and preparing for the public. 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Infotainment systemThough it's not a fully autonomous vehicle yet, the fifth generation E-Class models are set to have the most driver's assist offerings to date. From Intelligent Drive next Level, to Remote Parking Pilot and Digital Car Key, the E-Class is becoming the saloon of the 22nd century. May 11 reports from World Car Fans indicate that it this new take on the E-Class, officially its fifth generation, will be introduced in January at the 2016 North American International Auto Show.Below is a quick breakdown of the major features you can expect to see when these go on sale in spring 2016. Intelligent Drive next Level: With this function, the car essentially drives itself by maintaining a safe distance behind the car in front of you and by following that car in its lane. When Speed Limit Pilot is active, this function will take into account any speed limits that the camera sees posted along the road, and navigates roadways with or without visible lanes. Essentially, it brakes, accelerates, steers and follows the laws for you. Active Brake Assist: This function warns you when a crash is about to happen by sensing when cars in front of you are slowing or stopped, when pedestrians are in the way or when traffic is coming through an intersection ahead of you. It adds extra braking power when you react, or reacts by braking for you in case of an emergency. Evasive Steering Assist: This works in conjunction with the Active Brake Assist. When you are warned of a crash and perform evasive steering, this function calculates steering torque to perfectly support the movement of the steering wheel. This makes sure you evade swiftly and smoothly, and straighten back out quickly. Mercedes-Benz E 400 Hybrid (W212) 2014, US-VersionRemote Parking Pilot: The best option ever when parking in public spaces. An app on your phone controls the car as it pulls into and out of a parking space, meaning you'll never have to squeeze out while trying not to hit the car next to you with your door. Unfortunately, this won't be available for the US when it launches. Car-to-X Communication: Through the incorporation of mobile phone connectivity, car-to-car networking allows vehicles on the road to "communicate" with each other, sending information updates about potential hazards down the road long before your vehicle's camera systems would discover them on their own. Mercedes-Benz E 400 Hybrid (W212) 2014, US-VersionDigital Car Key: Ditch the key ring in favor of your cell phone, because with this function that's all you'll need to lock, unlock and start your car. PRE-SAFE Sound: Few details are available about how it does so, but this feature acts to protect passengers' ears in case of an accident by somehow buffering the anticipated loud noise. MULTIBEAM LED Headlamps: A combination of 84 individually activated, high-performance LED bulbs light the roadway without blinding those ahead of you. Through the inclusion of these new features, Mercedes-Benz hopes to further improve safety, comfort and enjoyment while drivers are on the road. The marque has always been at the forefront of innovation in the automotive industry, and next year's E-Class is no exception. Stay with us to learn more about this futuristic model as it is released, or find one with some more traditional features from our exclusive listings. E-Class Listings For Sale (Source: Mercedes-Benz, World Car Fans) See More Mercedes-Benz News

By Edward Jones – June 18, 2015

2015 Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTEC Sedan Review

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTEC Sedan is the most affordable E-Class model, but that didn't doesn't mean it isn't brimming with luxury, performance and the German styling we all know and love. In fact, for the suggested MSRP of $52,650, this model will have you rolling in high-end luxury you'd expect in a car worth twice as much. Quite the LookerOn the outside, the E250 is a fantastic looking car. It has styling that will most certainly catch eyes on the road or in a parking lot, as is the case with every Mercedes model. Adding to the exterior styling of the car we spent some time with were the optional 17-inch wheels, lowered sport suspension and sport body styling featured in the 321 Sport Package.Apps Really Do HelpInside, the luxury continued. The optional P01 Premium 1 Package added the COMAND® System in the console, heated front seats, split-folding rear seats, a power rear-window shade, power-folding mirrors and a camera. With the system, I found myself checking the weather and traffic on a regular basis, which was helpful as I live in Florida's most densely populated county. When you combine a lot of people with a lot of rain, you get a lot of accidents. Diesel PowerBeing a BlueTEC, this E250 was equipped with a 2.1-liter four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine. This engine is incredibly efficient, holding an average mpg rating of 28 city and 42 highway. That being said, horsepower is rated at 195, while torque sits at 369 lb-ft. The added torque is expected from a diesel engine. When the throttle was open, the car was responsive. While it may not be as fast as an AMG model, it was peppy enough- this is a luxury cruiser, not a sports car.ConclusionWhen all things are considered, the 2015 E250 BlueTEC Sedan is everything I expected: luxurious, reasonably priced and quick. Additionally, this is the least expensive way to get your hands on an E-Class. What's not to love?Be sure to check out your local Mercedes-Benz dealer to see one for yourself.E250 BlueTECs For Sale

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