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 Edward Jones – September 27, 2016

Mercedes-Benz's Tesla Fighter is Teased

Tesla has proved that electric cars can be viable in the automotive market and now it seems as though automakers are chomping at the bit to get their competing models out. One automaker that has already thrown their hat into the electric ring is Mercedes-Benz. The German company has already introduced electric cars like the SLS AMG Electric Drive and even the new Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6. Now, they're looking to get more mainstream in what most see as an effort to compete with Tesla.(Related - Pininfarina to Actually Sell the Bizarre H2 Speed Concept)In a video released today, Mercedes-Benz teases an upcoming model that looks to be a small SUV. With a title like "Ready to Change?", they're looking to turn heads with this unnamed car. While the specifics of this car are unknown, the video does give us a glimpse into its sleek interior that is unlike any we've seen in a Mercedes model before. Click play below to see what I mean.For those who want to learn more about this car, more will be revealed when the Paris Motor Show starts on September 29.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 15, 2016

Revealed: New Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster and GT C Roadster

Mercedes-AMG keeps the reveals coming this week, and this time the car maker is providing the public a look at the AMG GT Roadster and GT C Roadster. Both are Roadster variations of the previously revealed GT R, with the GT C coming in as most powerful new Roadster in the AMG lineup. The AMG GT C pumps 550 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque allowing for a 0-60 sprint in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph. AMG promises dynamic control and handling for the GT C Roadster thanks to AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension and exterior proportions similar to the GT R. ItsMercedes-AMG GT C Roadster"With our two Roadster models, we are strategically expanding the AMG GT family by two exciting variants. With the AMG GT C Roadster, we are also introducing a new model variant to which we have transferred main performance-related components from our top sports car, the AMG GT R," said Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH, in a press release. "The result: a highly dynamic driving experience in a very exclusive ambience, coupled with that pure roadster feeling."Mercedes-AMG GT RoadsterThe GT Roaster also offers impressive specs, putting out 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque with a top speed of 188 mph and a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds. These two Roadster variations further define the AMG lineup, providing a total of five models in the GT family. Both models will be available for delivery starting fall 2017, though price information has not been released at this time. View AMG GTs For Sale Specifications Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster Engine 4.0-liter V-8 with twin turbochargers and direct injection 4.0-liter V-8 with twin turbochargers and direct injection Displacement 3,982 cc 3,982 cc Output 469 hp at 6,000 rpm 550 hp at 5,750-6,750 rpm Peak torque 465 lb-ft at 1,700-5,000 rpm 502 lb-ft at 1,900-5,750 rpm Drive system Rear-wheel drive Rear-wheel drive Transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT® DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT® DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission Acceleration 0-60 mph 3.9 s 3.7 s Top speed 188 mph 196 mph Rear-axle limited-slip differential mechanical electronically controlled Suspension AMG Sport Suspension AMG RIDE CONTROL Sport Suspension with adaptive, adjustable damping Wheels front / rear 9.0" x 19" / 11" x 19" 9.0" x 19" / 12.0" x 20" Tires front / rear 255/35 R 19 /295/35 R 19 265/35 R19 /305/30 R 20 Brake discs front/rear 14.2" / 14.2" 15.4" / 14.2" Transmission modes four: C, S, S+, I five: C, S, S+, I, RACE

By Edward Jones – August 24, 2016

Finished Mercedes-Benz Stadium Shown in Madden 2017

The Mercedes-Benz Stadium may not be finished yet, but you can get a glimpse of it in the just-released video game Madden 2017. This new stadium, sponsored by the German automaker, is looking to become an iconic landmark for the city of Atlanta, Georgia. Its sharp design makes it one of the most modern-styled stadiums, much like the modern designs of Mercedes automobiles. (Related: Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Officially Unveiled: It's Electric)This new stadium has a few noteworthy features that make it more than just a stadium. Its seating capacity can be expanded up to 75,000 for events like the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup. If the stadium is host to a basketball event, seating can be raised up to 83,000. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium can even host MLS soccer games for Atlanta United. Guests will be able to experience Atlanta within the stadium through the retractable roof and massive exterior window. Of course, there may not be a better view than the one the 58-foot tall, 360-degree hd halo scoreboard provides.The stadium is planned to be finished in time for the 2017 NFL season.View All Mercedes For Sale

The Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 13, 2016

Meet the Green in Style with the Mercedes-Benz Garia Golf...

Mercedes-Benz is a recognizable brand in many of life's transportation realms--- on the road and in the water, for starters. Now, the brand responsible for sport and luxury is taking to the greenway. Introducing the Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car. Any golf aficionado knows the sport revels in pristine greenways, a dose of luxury and modern, breathable wear and camaraderie with friends on the course. The new Mercedes-Benz Golf Car is the perfect compliment to the golf lifestyle. (Mercedes Hits It Big Time - Mercedes-Benz Delivers One Million Cars In Six Months)Noted as a "real sports car," the "Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car we are offering a high-end golf cart which is absolutely unique and was specifically developed for sporting golfers and the sport they enjoy," according to Marketing Vice President, Dr. Jens Thiemer. What makes this new golf car unique though, is how it's been conceived. Back in 2013, Mercedes-Benz put out a call to Mercedes and golf fans to create the ultimate golf car. The top designs were then used when the conception of the Mercedes golf car began. Many of the features the public wanted are included in the final design.The new golf car sports rather unusual proportions which are narrower and shorter than the standard golf cart. The proportions favor that of a "real sports car" while keeping in mind the needs of a golf vehicle and the style of Mercedes-Benz. The interior and exterior have been fashioned with the best materials, from carbon fiber to wood decor and light-colored leather. The Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car will truly turn heads at the 18th hole. Want to learn more? Click here for photos and details.

Mercedes-AMG E-Class Estate (BR 213) 2016

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 06, 2016

2017 Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC Estate Brings The Power

In conjunction with the E-Class Estate from Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG unveiled the E 43 4MATIC Estate. Thanks to two, larger turbochargers added to the six-cylinder engine, the adds horsepower, checking in at 402 hp total.Mercedes-AMG E 43 4Matic Specs Engine: V6 biturbo Horsepower: 401 hp Torque: 383 lb-ft 0-60: 4.7 seconds Top Speed: 155 mph The new E 43 4MATIC Estate includes an exterior design making it undeniably recognizable as part of the AMG series. Finished in chrome, the model includes two transverse fins and the front splitter. Also included are high gloss black painted 19-inch "AMG five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels" as well as a diamond radiator grill.The AMG E 43 4Matic's V6 Bitturbo engine is well known for it's combination of low consumption, low emissions and high power. The cylinders are lined with a NANOSLIDE® coating, which is resistant to wear thus improving consumption. Suspension has been redeveloped and designed for better agility and higher traction.These enhancements and redesigns make the AMG E 43 4Matic a leader in performance in it's class. Sales for the new model will begin in September with launch in December.

By Edward Jones – April 18, 2016

Mercedes-Benz Style Introduces New Luxury Yacht: Arrow460...

Mercedes-Benz might be known for road-going vehicles, but they've been hard at work trying to conquer the sea. Their latest concept, the Arrow460-Granturismo or "Silver Arrow of the Seas", is a luxury yacht that combines the performance found in their cars with "unique innovations from the boat industry." It recently took its maiden voyage off of the coast of Nice. "In developing the new motor yacht, we have transferred our expertise to the marine industry, creating something never seen before in the process," said Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design Daimler AG. "The 'Silver Arrow of the Seas' stands for modern luxury, avant-garde style and comfortable elegance. The yacht embodies the Mercedes-Benz's progressive, dynamic design philosophy of sensual purity on the water. Or, to put it another way, it is hot and cool in one, and stands for emotion and intelligence."The boat measures in at 14-meters long, with two Yanmar 6LY3-ETP diesel engines powering it, each rated at 480 hp (960 hp total output). Amenities include retractable windows, extendable tables and beds, bathroom unit, separate dressing room, A/C system, high-quality audio system, "wine cellar" and an ice-making machine. After listing off those features, it seems to me like the Arrow460 is what an S-Class would be if it were a boat."Together with Silver Arrows Marine we have managed to develop a totally new boat concept. By virtue of maximum variability, the yacht combines the advantages of an open boat with the generous interior and privacy of a cabin cruiser," continued Wagener. "It weds charismatic design with perfect functionality, much in the same way as is familiar from our road vehicles. As such, the 'Arrow460–Granturismo' is sure to cause a stir on the seas and at marinas throughout the world in the coming years."After seeing this boat, I can't wait to see what other boats Mercedes-Benz Style will create in the future. And, who knows, maybe Mercedes boats may become a thing.Mercedes-Benzs For Sale

„Mercedes-Benz Living @ Fraser“ jetzt auch in Singapur

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 15, 2016

Mercedes-Benz Unveils New Luxury Apartments For Young Pro...

In Singapore, Mercedes-Benz is adding a new entry to it's portfolio in the way of luxury-style business apartments. The brand recognizes that business travelers need access to more than just the typical hotel room when they travel. Rather than subject these historically young, stylish travelers to the mundane amenities of a standard hotel, Mercedes-Benz, in partnership with Frasers Hospitality, has created a line of serviced apartments worthy of the most prestigious traveler.The apartments feature interior design by the esteemed JOI Design Hamburg which includes everything "today's e-generation" will need, according to a press release. Also stated in the press release, the apartments are located in close proximity to Singapore's Changi International Airport, and those taking up residence in the building have access to a 24-hour restaurant or deli and a bar for lounging and networking.The apartments embody ultimate luxury with an ultra-modern flare. Each boasts a sleek smart approach to furnishings, spacious interior, private balcony and hammock bed. Want to see them? Check out the gallery below.Mercedes-Benzs For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 07, 2016

Ultimate Race: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe vs Parkour vs ...

I'm not exactly sure who thought of the idea for this video, but bless 'em because it's an absolute blast to watch.Created by Teamsupertramp, this video pits an unlikely lineup of contestants against each other, starring the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. The other contestants were Ronnie Shalvis with the parkour and a Traxxas RC truck. Their race takes them through a maze of shipping containers, with the RC truck getting in through the tight spots, the parkour runner running atop the maze and the C-Class gunning through open space.Who wins? Watch the video above to find out! Also, be sure to watch the behind-the-scenes video below.Mercedes-Benz's For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 23, 2016

Revealed: The Armoured Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Guard

What you're looking at is the first civilian vehicle "certified with the highest ballistic protection level." So what exactly does that mean? This Maybach is both bullet and blast proof up to the highest, non-military standards. According to a Daimler press release, the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Guard has the ability to take fire from am assault rifle with steel core bullets.The new vehicle offers the protection that high profile riders might need, without compromising the comfort and class Mercedes is known for or the exclusivity that gives Maybach the prestige for which it is known. The S 600 Guard offers the esteemed Maybach 6.0-liter V12 bi-turbo.A special grade steel fills the gaps and cavities in the body and outer skin of the vehicle. The windows, which have been coated in polycarbonate, deter splintering and protect against gunfire.To protect against explosives, the vehicle also includes underbody armoring.The Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Guard will cost €470,000 with VAT in addition which translates to roughly $517,000 plus tax. So for half a million, the esteemed Maybach with incredible protection, could be yours.Maybach S 600s For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 12, 2016

New Mercedes-AMG GT3 Cigarette Boat Revealed

Back on February 2, we were teased with an upcoming speed boat that is the result of a collaboration between Mercedes-AMG and the Cigarette Racing Team. Today, the anticipated boat has been revealed at the 2016 Miami International Boat Show.This new 41-foot SD GT3 boat was inspired by the Mercedes-AMG GT3 racecar and is being hailed as "the most powerful "open performance" boat ever produced" by the Cigarette Racing Team. Powering the boat are two Mercury Racing engines, capable of producing 1,100 hp. That's like powering the boat with two Bugatti Veyrons. It measures in at 41-ft long, obviously, with an 11-foot beam. With this size, a weight of over 20,000 lbs and the aforementioned power, it can reach speeds of over 100 mph."The 41' SD GT3 embodies our brand's commitment to innovation and craftsmanship and once again shows the strength of our collaboration with Mercedes-AMG." - Skip Braver, President and CEO of Cigarette Racing TeamThe interior of the boat is laid with teak wood flooring and full extreme marine grade leather, which is a first for Cigarette. Also installed is a user interface that includes three 17-inch displays that feature Garmin and Cigarette navigation and audio.If you're looking for a price for this one-of-a-kind boat, you'll have to find that out upon request. But, if you'd like to see it for yourself, it's on display at the Miami International Boat Show. While you're there, stop by the duPont REGISTRY booth to pick up a free magazine and learn more about our company.Mercedes-AMG GTs For Sale

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