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 – December 12, 2019

2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Price & Specs

Mercedes-AMG G63 Price When it comes to the ultimate overland experience, nothing beats a new Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG For Sale. It is a comfortable position to be in, as they launched the Super SUV war among all manufacturers. As abilities have increased, the Mercedes-AMG G63 price has remained at $147,500. A genuine bargain compared to lesser-equipped competitors, let's discover what makes the Mercedes-AMG G63 such a force to be reckoned with. Mercedes-AMG G63 Review As one of the last body-on-frame SUVs, nothing else from Germany rides as solid and smooth. A proper Mercedes-AMG G63 review should note this is the first G63 with independent front suspension. Not only is steering more predictable, the new 4.0-liter V8 also makes the front end much lighter than predecessors. Heading off-road, you will have three locking differentials along for the ride. A 2-speed transfer case sends power to all wheels, all the time. Given the Mercedes-AMG horsepower and torque, you will also have fun taking others by surprise. The only quirk is that the window glass is nearly vertical. This makes glare at night transform the interior into a disco hall. Mercedes-AMG G63 Specs In order to maintain the title of the World's Best SUV, the Mercedes-AMG G63 specs are unparalleled. Because it is not a unibody, every G-Class is built on its own assembly line in Austria. Thanks to twin-turbo power, the Mercedes-AMG G63 top speed is 149 mph. Because of permanent All-Wheel-Drive, the Mercedes-AMG 0-60 is 4.5 seconds on dry pavement. When pushed to the limit, it will reward you with a 1/4 mile in 12.5 seconds. Specs: Price: 147,500 Engine: 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Transmission: 9-speed Automatic Horsepower: 577 hp Torque: 627 lb-ft 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds Top Speed: 149 mph Mercedes-AMG G63 Engine Oldtimers will demand the biggest engine available, but the Mercedes-AMG engine makes big power from only 4.0 liters. Starting with reverse-flow heads, the exhaust pulses feed upward into the V. They have a direct shot at two turbochargers. The "Hot V" allows them to spool instantly, and their variable geometry allows it to offer 577 horsepower and only 627 lb-ft of torque. Power of this magnitude will have you at 60 mph under 5 seconds. Or tow heavy toys in style. The downside G63 mpg. Rated at 11 mpg city and 13 mpg on the highway, it requires 93 octane to be happy. Mercedes-AMG G63 Transmission Dual-clutch gearboxes are great in lightweight cars. But when the mud gets deep, nothing beats a torque converter. That's why the Mercedes-AMG G63 transmission combines the latest in torque converter technology with 9 closely spaced gears. Releasing the converter clutch keeps the turbos spooled, and the transfer case's low range multiplies torque sent to the ground. Mercedes-AMG G63 Interior Open the door and powered running boards reveal your leather chariot. Every Mercedes-AMG G63 interior can be optioned with heated massaging seats with ventilation for the summer. Nappa leather by designo is offered in any color you desire, and the controls are laid out in a symmetrical manner. Mercedes-AMG G63 Brakes There is only one better at being an amazing off-road machine is stopping in a hurry. Big power demands big brakes, so the Mercedes-AMG brakes measure 14.8" front and 13" rear. Six-piston monoblock calipers grip the front, while the rears are sliding single-piston. Red is the standard color, with silver being optional at no extra cost. Because they are steel, the cost of maintenance will be much less than carbon-ceramics. Wheels x Wardrobe: AMG G63 Style Mercedes-AMG G63 Standout Features Aside from being the most powerful SUV in production, the Mercedes-AMG G63 has a host of standout features. It has enough ground clearance to handle 22" wheels with ease. They better be forged, because rock crawling is easy. If you don't plan on off-roading, we recommend a summer tire for grip on the asphalt. But since you can lock all three differentials, a good mud-terrain will keep you moving. When crossing lakes or creeks, a "wading sensor" closes the cooling vents ahead of the intercoolers. It also closes the thermostat to keep heat in the block. If you need more power, our friends at BRABUS can get you over 900, at the expense of fuel economy. " width="680"> Related: Hitting Top Speed in a G63 New 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Gets Massive Makeover Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: A Look Back

By Andrew Nabors – December 06, 2019

Expedition Motor Company Offers Incredible G-Wagens

Mercedes-Benz shocked the world in 1979. They unveiled a 4x4 capable of going through the toughest terrain. For the past 4 decades, the Geländewagen has blazed trails and carried soldiers around the world. Thanks to its rugged construction, many were worked to death in harsh conditions. That is why Expedition Motor Company offers incredible G-Wagens. Located near Philadelphia, their shop is capable of several simultaneous restorations. Every nut and bolt is removed, from wiper blades to lug nuts. Thanks to Mercedes-Benz offering a majority of original parts, it is your opportunity at a new G-Wagen that won't break the bank. Click Here To Learn More Each frame-off build offers the owner a chance to add modern accessories and upgrades the factory could never have dreamed of. The Expedition team has branded them as "Wolf". Click the button above to view their inventory (the Wolfpack), and get ready to be amazed! https://www.facebook.com/ExpeditionMotorCompany/videos/627101871063733/

By Andrew Nabors – April 01, 2019

Mercedes-AMG G63: 2019 vs 2017 Drag Race

It only took Mercedes-Benz three decades to upgrade the Geländewagen. And as soon as the 2019 model entered production, the gearheads at AMG transformed it into a hot rod SUV. The previous generation G63 was the Swan Song for the traditional 5.5L V8. With its head held high, it left us with a need for 571 horsepower and three locking differentials. When we heard it was being replaced by the ubiquitous 4.0L, we figured the 2019 model might not measure up to its predecessor. But we couldn't have been more wrong. The latest G63 has 585 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. It beats the older model by 14 horsepower and 66 lb-ft of torque. Aerodynamics have also been cleaned thanks to a raked windshield and finely sculpted fenders. The major difference is in the front suspension. Independent axles have replaced the solid differential. This makes for a more comfortable ride and a little more ground clearance off road. Tell us which G63 you would own in the comments below, and stay with us for more 1/2 mile action from DragtimesInfo. View all Mercedes-AMG G63 For Sale Related: Mercedes-AMG Announces G65 Final Edition Drake Buys Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet

By Andrew Nabors – February 22, 2019

Why You Should Buy a Mercedes-AMG G63

If you haven't heard, the new Mercedes-AMG G-Class shares nothing with its predecessor. Every G550 and G63 rode on solid axles, with styling that was introduced in 1979. Because the new Geländewagen has been long overdue, this is why you should buy a Mercedes-AMG G63. The only thing it shares with the previous example is a name. Since this was an opportunity for a clean -sheet redesign they started with a modern chassis. The old G Wagen had a solid front axle. While they were common on every 4WD until the 90's, the new model arrived with independent front suspension. Not only is the ride more comfortable, it makes the SUV much safer on the street. If you are waiting for a new G65, don't hold your breath. The big V12 is being retired, so the G63 now reigns supreme as the top-level G-Class. As such, it offers 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque from a 4.0L twin turbo V8. The low-range transfer case has been replaced by AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Torque distribution is locked 40/60 front to rear to remain capable in bad terrain. This is further enhanced by the addition of "Sand, Trail & Rock" modes to the AMG Dynamic drive system. The last three are not offered on the G550. With a new foundation, it was time to bring the interior into the modern era. The G63 has the same brilliant displays found in the S-Class, and air vents that resemble ramjet intakes. Because the body incorporates high-strength aluminum in many places, it is quiet and less top-heavy than before. Overall the body is shorter and wider, and it offers more cargo space than before. We could go on for days describing how the new G63 is unlike anything else on the road, but the experience speaks for itself. Our dealers will be happy to show you what it can do, so click the link below and stay with us for all your G-Class news. Shop Mercedes-AMG G63 Related: 2018 Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 Squared Specs, Photos, Price & Review Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 Squared: High & Mighty

By Edward Jones – February 06, 2019

Celebrate the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and its 40th Anniversary

This year, Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the G-Class and its 40th anniversary. It was back in February 1979 that Mercedes unveiled the 460 model series G-model for the very first time. Since that fateful unveiling, the G-Class has been a staple in the German automaker's lineup. It has seen changes and variants over the past four decades, but the overall DNA of the model has remained the same. To celebrate, I've put together the different models of the G-Class that are currently for sale on duPontREGISTRY.com. Check them out below! Mercedes-AMG G63 6x6 view this Mercedes-AMG G63 6x6 for sale Mercedes-AMG G63 view all Mercedes-AMG G63 for sale Mercedes-AMG G65 view all Mercedes-AMG G65 for sale Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 Squared view all Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 Squared for sale Mercedes-Benz G650 Landaulet view this Mercedes-Benz G650 Landaulet for sale Mercedes-Benz G250 Wolf view all Mercedes-Benz G250 Wolf for sale

By Edward Jones – January 09, 2019

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Drives Off 3rd Story of Parking Garage

Out in North Hollywood, California last week, the driver of a Mercedes-Benz G-Class found himself plunging from the third story of a parking garage. The G-Class ended up on its roof after the drop, but thankfully the driver lived to tell authorities about the tale. According to NBC LA, the driver told authorities that "something got stuck and made him accelerate" through the wall and onto the street below. ABC7 News reports that LAPD investigators said that the driver actualyl stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake and lost control. Good samaritans came in to help pull the driver from the once-airborne SUV. Eventually, firefighters had to step in to help the trapped driver. The driver was then taken to a nearby hospital with critical injuries, but he was listed in stable condition the following morning. Sunken Ferrari 360 Modena Salvaged in West Palm Beach Interestingly enough, even after falling three stories, the G-Class remained in decent condition. I guess this accident shows just how sturdy Mercedes' famed SUV really is. If you're looking for a strong SUV, a G-Class may just be what you're looking for! View All Mercedes-Benz G-Class For Sale https://twitter.com/ABCWorldNews/status/1081244471751172097 Featured Image via Kim Tobin Twitter

By Andrew Nabors – May 29, 2018

Hitting Top Speed in a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG

When a rocket is heading into orbit, it has to slow down and almost coast through the sound barrier. No matter how aerodynamic an object is, air gets mad when you compress it. Our friends at AutoTopNL are usually fond of flogging the latest in German supercars on the Autobahn.Sell Your Exotic Car With duPont REGISTRYBut for this week's top speed run, the boys from the Netherlands chose a box with a sledgehammer under the hood. The Mercedes Geländewagen literally translates to cross-country wagon, so it arrives with 3 locking differentials and the ability to climb the Matterhorn. But like every iconic Mercedes, they allowed AMG to give it amazing power.See 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS Hit Top SpeedThe new generation G63 will arrive with the same 4.0-liter twin turbo found across their lineup. So the 2018 models are the last ones to feature the classic 5.5 liter V8. Each one has its pros and cons, so click the link below to find yours and stay with us for more fast-paced footage from AutoTopNL.Browse Mercedes-AMG G Class For Sale

By Edward Jones – May 18, 2018

The First Production 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is Here

The new 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was revealed at the beginning of the year and it's production has just started, a few months later. Production is being accomplished by Magna Steyr (automobile manufacturer) in Graz, Austria for Mercedes. That may seem odd to a few that another company is producing cars for Mercedes-Benz, but Magna Steyr has actually be producing the G-Class since 1979. Because of their history with the G-Class and knowledge regarding the SUV, it only makes sense that they produce the new model.The 2019 G-Class brings forth a new generation of the famous SUV. Mercedes did a fantastic job of breathing new life into the overall design of the G-Class while still maintaining the overall iconic look. Major changes include new headlights, taillights, and a new body that's 2.1-inches longer and 4.8-inches wider.“With the model change the new G-Class experienced the biggest transformation in its 39 years-old history," says Gunnar Güthenke, Head of the Off-Road Product Group at Mercedes-Benz. "At the same time we have kept the familiar and popular features of the design icon and further optimised the 'G' where ride comfort and robustness are concerned.”

By Edward Jones – February 13, 2018

New 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Gets Massive Makeover

After Mercedes-Benz unveiled the new design for the G-Class, it was only a matter of time until they showed off the redesigned 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63. Unveiled today is a new take on the German automaker's high-performance SUV, complete with a new style and engine.Five Most Luxurious Mercedes-Benz Cars Ever Made"The new AMG G63 brings driving performance to the segment of unadulterated off-road vehicles in unexpected form," says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "It was important for us to tie in with the original character on account of the cult status the G63 enjoys with our customers and fans." EngineUnder the hood of the new G63 is the AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, which replaces the 5.5-liter V8 biturbo. Power figures for this engine are 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque -- mighty numbers for a mighty SUV. From a stop, the 2019 G63 will run an estimated 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 137 mph or 149 mph if equipped with the AMG Driver's package. SuspensionA powerful engine in a G63 would mean nothing if the SUV wasn't capable off of the road. For this, Mercedes-AMG redesigned its suspension system. In the front is an axle with an independent, double wishbone suspension for the first time. Out in the rear is an axle with a five-link suspension. Combine this coil spring all around the car and adjustable damping, and you have an SUV fit for just about any off-road excursion. ModesFive different on-road and three off-road driving modes are available to the driver of the 2019 G63, a first for the G-Class. These modes change the vehicle's engine, transmission, suspension, and steering, resulting in driving experiences that are catered to any condition. Modes include Slipper, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual, Sand, Trail and Rock. BodyFor 2019, the Mercedes-AMG G63 definitely received a makeover. But that redesigned body not only has a new look, it's also "more robust and suitable for off-road operations than a unibody construction," thanks to its ladder-type frame and a mounted bodyshell comprised of various grades of steel. Overall, the rigidity of the incoming G63's body mounts, body shell and frame were increased by about 55 percent. PricingThe 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 will have its pricing announced by the end of 2018, along with its US market launch. 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Specs

By Edward Jones – January 04, 2018

Final Design for 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Leaked

Fans of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class are fond of the SUV's iconic styling in the form of a boxy body and tall stature. For decades, the G-Class has stood out from other Mercedes models thanks to these design cues and, for the 2019 model year, the German automaker isn't planning on changing that.Leaked by AutoWeek.nl is a series of images that show the upcoming 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class without any camouflage. From the images, we see a new model that has been refreshed, but not overhauled. In the front are new headlights that are more pronounced, as well as a new bumper. In the back, the only change you'll see is a minute difference in the tail lights.Overall, however, the new 2019 G-Class is a bit more rounded-off. Mercedes-AMG G63 6x6 Meets its Match: The Snow 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon Revealed Luxury Cars for Sale

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