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 – April 12, 2021

Mercedes EQS to be Revealed April 15th

Can you handle a high voltage Sonderklasse? You read that right, the new Mercedes electric sedan will arrive this Thursday without Benz being anywhere. As the flagship for a new brand, the EQS is technically being offered by Mercedes-EQ. For a quick refresher, the other Daimler brands are Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, and Smart. Eventually they will offer electric versions of each, and they will feature technologies developed for the EQS. The video will be live on their Mercedes Media site, and hopefully disseminated to other platforms in short order. This car is the foundation of their future, so the simulcast will feature top brass along with the engineers and stylists. What we know so far is the dash is one massive touchscreen, and the E-Drive system is unlike anything we have experienced before. Aside from a 56" display, their goal is a range of 400 miles. The system offers 469 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque, with price being the question of the hour. Stop by here Thursday morning for all the details and stay with us for al your Mercedes-EQ news. Browse Mercedes-Benz S-Class For Sale Image (C) Daimler

By Andrew Nabors – April 07, 2021

New 2022 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+ Price & Specs Released

Four-door coupe moves upmarket and we're impressed The personal luxury sedan might be an aged marketplace here in the U.S. but Mercedes-Benz is working hard to be all things to all people around the world. For complete clarity, the German automakers call any four-door car without window frames a Coupe, or Gran Coupe if you play for the other team. The CLS has dropped the Benz suffix because from now on, it is in the sole custody of AMG. We've seen what happens when they get a blank check, namely the Mercedes-McLaren SLR and the SLS AMG. We were expecting the 4-liter twin-turbo from the GLS 600, but much like the C-Class, there is no room for the V8 in their lineup. Your new CLS arrives with a 2.9-liter V6 with a hybrid boost. Peak output is 457 horsepower and 567 lb-ft of torque. It's enough to reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. If you need something truly unique, click the button to learn more from our dealers. Shop Mercedes-AMG CLS Images (C) Daimler

By Andrew Nabors – April 01, 2021

Mercedes-AMG Previews Their Electric Future

Big news from Affalterbach! While other brands have unleashed funny ads for April Fools Day, Mercedes-AMG is hard at work building an electric future. The latest press release from the high-performance brand outlines how they will integrate batteries into the lineup. Instead of incorporating a hybrid drive into their 9-speed automatic transmissions, they have unleashed a brilliant solution. A new rear differential will contain the motor/generator and a 2-speed gearset. Powered by a 6.1 kWh battery, it can add 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque at an instant. When combined with their 4-liter twin turbo, the system offers a total output of 804 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. When you stop and consider how many models use this V8, it could potentially be found in everything from the G-wagen to the Aston Martin Vantage. For those who don't need supercar power, the same drive unit will be offered with their 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This one will borrow the electric boost technologies perfected in Formula 1 for better throttle response than the V8. This allows the 442 horsepower engine to be coupled with the electric differential to offer 643 horsepower in the next C-Class. The final part of the trifecta is AMG's dive into all-electric propulsion. With the impending arrival of the EQS sedan, the performance model is coming shortly after. Their goal is to offer the same performance as the 4-liter V8 cars currently in production. They also offered the first interior shot of the EQS focused around the massive display screen. The Project ONE is still coming, so stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG news. Shop Mercedes-Benz Images (C) Daimler

By Andrew Nabors – March 24, 2021

New Mercedes-Benz C-Class Combines Comfort With Connectivity

Consolidating almost all vehicle functions into a stylish touchscreen is how the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class combines comfort with connectivity. Say goodbye to traditional interior designs. A digital revolution has allowed stylists to sculpt a new experience for both the driver and passengers. Symmetry and functionality play equal parts while the MBUX assistant handles your calls, texts, emails, and even your itinerary. The C-Class has been their best-selling model for years because they always seem to stay far ahead of competitors. Tell us for favorite C-Class story in the comments below and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz news. Shop Mercedes-Benz C-Class Image (C) Daimler A.G.

By Andrew Nabors – March 22, 2021

2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Compared to 2013

Aside from the iconic hood emblem, not much is shared with its predecessor. So let's take a look at the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class compared to 2013. Starting with a stronger chassis, air suspension is now standard on all models. Also onboard is a 48-volt electrical system to support two flavors of hybrid power. Aimed at offering the utmost comfort, headroom, and legroom for rear passengers has been increased. Power comes from a 3-liter straight-six coupled to a hybrid generator. You will have almost 400 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque to reach 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Of course, the V8 is still offered on higher trim levels, but the V12 is now exclusively reserved for Maybach. Click the button to find the perfect Sonderklasse for your collection. S-Class For Sale Image (C) Daimler A.G.

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By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2021

So Flo Jeep's G63 6x6 Heading to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale

Four is fun but six is incredible, and that's why So Flo Jeep's G63 6x6 is heading to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. As you read this, our intrepid events team is already on the ground at Westworld. Taking all Covid precautions, our booth will be loaded with the latest and greatest. While we try to showcase So Flo Jeep's latest builds, this one simply wouldn't fit. That's because they improved upon AMG's recipe for a brutal six-wheel drive. Starting with 38"x15.5" Mickey Thompson Baja tires, all-terrains, they fabricated 9" locking differentials to ride on Fox suspension of their own design. Hand-laid carbon fiber and several coats of clear will shine for years, and the 5' bed is framed from stained teakwood. Inside you are treated to an LED headliner that replicates a brilliant night sky, perfect for heading deep into the woods to a campsite that lesser builds can't reach. So Flo is famous for 6wd conversions and this one was built to show the world what they are capable of. It will be crossing the block Saturday during primetime with no reserve, so don't forget to bid! Click the button to see their other builds. Visit SoFlo Jeeps.com

By Andrew Nabors – March 03, 2021

Why You Should Buy the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Don't do it because everyone else is. Why you should buy the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is because of the details overlooked by the mainstream media. Remember when cab-forward was all the rage in the 90s? Mercedes-Benz is going cab-rear to give proper proportions to all variants. More interior room is offered for all occupants, and the controls are borrowed from the latest S-Class. Each headlight has 1.3 million pixels that adapt to the road ahead, and they quickly adapt to steering input. What also changes at an instant is the angle of the rear tires. Yes, every new C-Class for sale arrives with rear-steering. Not only is it the first compact sedan to do so, but the short wheelbase will also make for snappy cornering and your drifts will be legendary. Also onboard is a 24 kWh battery that offers 62 miles of electric range. In keeping with their traditions, the new C-Class makes no claims of greatness while over-delivering in every aspect. Its time you C a difference, so click the button to learn more. Shop Mercedes-Benz C-Class Images (C) Daimler A.G.

By Andrew Nabors – March 03, 2021

Mercedes-Benz EQS Offers a Human-Centric Interior

Going electric doesn't mean sacrificing comfort or convenience, so the Mercedes-Benz EQS offers a human-centric interior. Like it or not, the EQ series will eventually eclipse their gas-powered lineup. That's why the flagship can't afford to compromise. Studying other electric luxury sedans, the EQ team has developed a car that can learn the traits and preferences of self-determined individuals. Just like any new S-Class for sale, the EQS is aimed at movers and shakers, those who blaze their own trails. We have already seen the Drive system in action, so tell us how or why the EQS appeals to you in the comments below. Mercedes-Benz S-Class For Sale Image (C) Daimler A.G.

By Andrew Nabors – March 03, 2021

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: A Look Back

It’s is no big secret that Mercedes-Benz has been working on a convertible version of the Mercedes SLS Gullwing. In fact, the first unit for North America was sold to our Publisher at the Boca Raton Concours d' Elegance (it went under the hammer alongside the first R8 GT and a certain Ferrari). The first Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster will land stateside in fall 2011. The SLS AMG Roadster comes with a soft-top convertible mechanism. To cut the top off, Mercedes-Benz had to spend some extra time reinforcing the car’s structure and tweaking its handling. Additional support structures will add to the vehicle’s weight (90 or so pounds) but allow the top to be opened or closed at speed, specifically at speeds up to 31 mph. There is no latch to unlock as the opening/closing process is fully automatic and takes only eleven seconds. The soft top will be available in three colors—black, red and beige—and, surprisingly, won’t eat into the car’s trunk space. Through no fault of Mercedes and despite paying homage to the original 300 SL of the 1950s, some may not be fond of the new SLS without its trademark gullwing doors. Still, there is no denying that the Roadster is well proportioned. The SLS AMG Roadster features the same long hood, rear-positioned cabin, small rear deck, wide track, and short overhangs that make the SLS Gullwing coupe so appealing. Mercedes-Benz Concept A: Bringing the Curves Back SLS AMG GT Final Edition Also, like the coupe, the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster features an aluminum space frame, 6.3-liter V-8 developing 563 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and sports suspension. New for both in 2012 is an optional adaptive suspension. The electronically controlled dampers in the suspension function in one of three modes: "Comfort," "Sport," and "Sport plus." SLS AMG Coupé Black Series, AMG Solarbeam, exterior Like many new exotics, the SLS features an interior inspired by aviation. The dashboard is in the shape of a wing, the air vents are cruciform nozzles reminiscent of jet engines, and the shifter is in the shape of an aircraft's thrust control. For the 2012 Mercedes SLS Gullwing and 2012 SLS Roadster, the center console’s control unit can be equipped with a new AMG Performance Media. It not only allows the driver to adjust the optional Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension, but also gains access to numerous metrics such as engine output; 0–60, quarter-mile, and lap times; and lateral and linear acceleration. Optional on all new Mercedes-Benz convertibles and standard on the SLS AMG Roadster is Mercedes-Benz’s exclusive Airscarf system, which warms the head and neck areas of the occupants for top-down motoring in cooler climates. A new color, Sepang Brown Metallic, and 10-spoke wheels painted in matte black with a high-sheen rim flange will premiere with the 2012 SLS Roadster and be available on the coupe. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and 300 SL, heritage When considering the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG price, one must realize there was nothing like it before, and we won't see such a car again. As the first car to be styled and engineered by Mercedes-AMG, the high-performance division was given a blank check. Well-equipped models of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG for sale were offered just under $200,000. This represented a new aluminum chassis, suspension tuned for the world's best tracks, and the swan song for the historic naturally aspirated V8. Because only a handful of parts are shared with other Mercedes-Benz models, you should not trust it to anyone except the dealer for service. To see what makes the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG specs so unique, let's consider the purpose of the car. Being a successor to the legendary Gullwing would never be easy. Therefore, they chose to build a proper GT around the big-block V8. Price: $192,175 Engine: 6.2-liter V8 Transmission: 7-speed Dual Clutch Horsepower: 563 hp Torque: 479 lb-ft 0-60 mph: 3.6s 1/4 mile: 11.7 @ 124.3 mph Top Speed: 196 mph Weight: 3,765 lbs Everything before the Mercedes SLS AMG for sale was scared to offer a front-mid mounted V8. Even a novice driver can appreciate the crisp steering response along with a thundering soundtrack. From here on, V8 engines are tiny with turbocharging, and the cars are loaded with too many systems. The Bang & Olufsen Beosound audio offers 1,100 watts to both passengers without being muddled by complexity. You deserve a carbon-fiber torque tube and incredible grip in any situation. The team knew this car would never be replicated, so the SLS AMG Final Edition was limited to 350 cars. Based on the SLS AMG GT, it was offered as a coupe and roadster. Exposed carbon fiber was borrowed from the Black Series, and the interior was loaded with designo leather and 3D Alcantara. Badging and wheels are also specific, keeping the SLS AMG Final Edition price comparable to the best classics on the market. Shop Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 23, 2021

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Arrives With Efficient Luxury

You shouldn't have to sacrifice fuel mileage for a comfortable ride, and that is why the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will arrive with efficient luxury. Starting off where it counts, the interior is wider and offers more headroom. The instrument panel and dash are centered around two tablet screens, the central one having touch control over every vehicle system. The ambient LED system now offers 64 colors, and the system higlights an interior design that is essentially scaled down from the S-Class. While it would be fun to experience their new straight six, the only engine offered in the C 300 will be the turbo 2-liter. With help from their 48-volt hybrid system, it offers 275 horsepower and up to 443 lb-ft of torque. This is nearly 200 more foot-pounds than the Lexus ES, and it does so with 2 fewer cylinders. Also on board is the latest MBUX infotainment, Active Steering Assist, and Agility Control, its nice to see them as standard equipment instead of options. Nearly 11 million examples have been sold since 1982, so you need a new dose of Vitamin C. Don't forget the latest from the Brabus Vintage Collection to complement your Mercedes-Benz experience. Mercedes-Benz C-Class For Sale Images (C) Daimler A.G.

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