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 Jordan Aquistapace – November 09, 2021

Mercedes-Benz x Proenza Schouler Release Its New Capsule ...

Mercedes-Benz hops off the track and on the fashion runway with Proenza Schouler. Mercedes-Benz is known as a leader in the automotive industry, featuring a fleet of luxury and performance-focused vehicles that cater to any owner's lifestyle. Alongside its dedication to crushing lap times on circuits around the world, the German automotive manufacturer highlights its fashionable side on the runway. As part of its most recent collaboration project, Mercedes-Benz is proud to announce the release of its new apparel and accessories collection with the fashion experts at Proenza Schouler. The all-new capsule collection draws inspiration from traveling on the open road while incorporating an extra sense of luxury with help from the creative design team at Mercedes-Benz. MUST-READ: The Best Mercedes’ You Can Buy Today The collection includes outerwear, tops, blankets, baggage, and small leather accessories that feature unique styles and color combinations. The products in this collection are crafted from high-quality, sustainable materials, such as recycled eco cashmere and up-cycled leather, and made using responsible manufacturing practices involving natural dying and tanning methods. The all-new Mercedes-Benz x Proenza Schouler Capsule Collection is now available through the retailer’s website starting at $350. View all current Mercedes-Benz models for sale on DuPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Proenza Schouler

By Edward Jones – October 28, 2021

The New 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL Revealed: A Fresh Face, V8 P...

The iconic Mercedes model has returned in wonderful form. Say hello to the new 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL, a beautiful convertible sports car that will surely be a pleasure to drive and see. Giving the new SL a fresh face from the get-go is a redesigned exterior that's as sporty as can be. The overall silhouette of the SL that we've become accustomed to is there-- the long wheelbase, long hood, convertible top, and staunch rear end. Breathing new life into this design is the new AMG-specific radiator grille, sharp headlights, and slim taillights that taper around to the wheels. Within the previously mentioned long hood of the new AMG SL rests an AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine. At launch, it will come in two different output levels. For the AMG SL 63, output will be 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque while the AMG SL 55 will have 469 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Other notable mechanical features include the active rear-axle steering, 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission, six AMG driving modes, AMG Active Ride Control, and newly developed AMG braking system. Mercedes also notes that a new hybrid version of the SL is in development and will be available at a later date. Inside the new 2022 AMG SL is an interior that was inspired by the 300 SL Roadster. Its cockpit design is not only focused on the driver, but it also takes notes from aviation. The symmetrical instrument panel was heavily influenced by aviation and features a high-res 12.3-inch LCD screen. Another wonderful touch is the new galvanized turbine nozzles that look as if they were modeled right from an airplane's turbines. When the driver would like to open up the cabin, they can let down the new electric soft top that replaces the metal vario roof of the previous generation. This allows the new SL to drop 46 lbs and have a lower center of gravity. For both the front passenger and driver, they can control the 11.9-inch multimedia touchscreen that utilizes the MBUX infotainment system. What's neat about this screen is that it can tilt from 12 degrees to 32 degrees in order to keep reflections from the sun at bay. When the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL hits the market, it will have 12 available paint finish. Pricing has yet to be announced. Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Edward Jones – October 21, 2021

The New League of Legends Championship Ring is Made by Me...

I think it's time duPont REGISTRY made a League of Legends team because these rings are incredible. When the Final of the League of Legends World Championship 2021 happens on November 6, the winning team will walk away with not only the Summoner's Cup but will also receive a Championship Ring. These rings, by the way, happen to be made by Mercedes-Benz who has been the exclusive automotive partner of all League of Legends Esports events since 2020. Each of these rings features a white gold setting and blue sapphire glass. The designs found on the ring include the star pattern and the Worlds emblem that can be seen through the blue sapphire glass. Altogether, this ring is absolutely awesome and the winners will certainly be excited to show them off. Before the Finals, a documentary by that details the creation process of the Championship Ring will be released on the League of Legends Esports YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/lolesports). Source: Daimler

By Edward Jones – October 21, 2021

New Mercedes-AMG SL Reveal Date Announced

A reveal you won't want to miss. It's just been announced that the new Mercedes-AMG SL will be revealed on Thursday, October 28 at 10AM EST. The reveal event will be a digital one and you can actually view it in the video frame down below. It's noted that the new Mercedes-AMG SL will have a soft top, feature a 2+2 layout, and will be all-wheel drive. And... that's all we know at this point in time. Well, that and the image up above which shows the interior of the new Mercedes-AMG SL. When the reveal happens, be sure to check back to this article to see it in real-time and we will most certainly have an article for everyone that will detail the new AMG SL. All SL-Class For Sale Source: Mercedes-AMG

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 11, 2021

Mercedes-Maybach Announces Project MAYBACH With Virgil Abloh

Project MAYBACH: Mercedes-Benz and Abloh once again set a new benchmark in collaborative creativity and automotive-fashion-design crossovers Last year, the automotive and streetwear fashion worlds were shocked with the release of Project Geländewagen, featuring a one-of-one Mercedes-AMG G63 redesign with help from Virgil Abloh and Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener. The dynamic duo is back and proud to announce its newest collaboration with the Mercedes-Maybach division. At the peak of German automotive excellence, the Maybach name continues to present the “best of the best” with over 100-years of history since the first Maybach W 3 debut in 1921. MUST-READ: Project Geländenwagen By Mercedes-Benz x Virgil Abloh The new Project MAYBACH is set to feature a new collaborative effort that combines the creative styling of Virgil Abloh’s vision with the performance and technology that Mercedes-Maybach incorporates into each of its models. Alongside presenting the brand in a new fashion, Project MAYBACH will help to transform the brand into a luxury electric future. Although a specific vehicle is yet to be announced, it's safe to say that the highly-anticipated release will be followed closely by automotive and fashion enthusiasts of all kinds around the world. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more news on Project MAYBACH with Virgil Abloh and Garden Wagener. View all current Maybach examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Mercedes-Maybach For Sale Mercedes-Maybach Media/Info Source: Daimler

By Edward Jones – October 07, 2021

Mercedes-Benz Announces the MANUFAKTUR Range For S-Class ...

A new way for customers to customize their Mercedes-Benzs. Mercedes-Benz has had 'G manufaktur' for the G-Class for a couple of years now, which lets customers pick through a selection of exclusive materials and colors that were specially designed for the model. Now, Mercedes-Benz has announced the new MANUFAKTUR label which will give owners of the CLS, AMG GT 4-Door Couple, S-Class and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class the ability to customize their vehicles with a new range of exclusive options. One of the most important customization features for customers is the paint, and the MANUFAKTUR label will now offer up a wide range of exclusive finishes. These include colors that can be found in the automaker's history, like MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey, a paint use in the early 1960s and one that was used for the iconic 300 SL "Gullwing". There are, of course, plenty of other options like MANUFAKTUR China Blue, MANUFAKTUR Olive Metallic, MANUFAKTUR Olive Metallic, MANUFAKTUR Kalahari Gold Magno and many others. Paint finishes also range from matte to high-gloss metallic and non-metallic. Inside, the MANUFAKTUR options can transform a cabin. There are a ton of curated combinations of high-quality nappa leather like the one you see in the gallery down below. The MANUFAKTUR upholstery package will also include extra cushions with an embroidered logo that corresponds to the model. Other options include the MANUFAKTUR surround lighting with animated projection, two-toned MANUFAKTUR Leather Steering Wheel and so much more. Mercedes-Benz is planning on extending the MANUFAKTUR label to other models in the future, like AMG, Maybach and EQ. It should also be noted that, going forward, the introduction of the MANUFAKTUR label means that the "designo" label will be replaced. View AMG S63s For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Edward Jones – September 21, 2021

All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQS Pricing for USA Announced

There's a new all-electric luxury sedan in the world and now it has a price. Are you one of the many looking to add an electric car to their garage? Then you need to check out the new Mercedes-Benz EQS. This all-electric sedan is packed with advanced technology that reaches beyond its electric powertrain, like the sliding panorama roof, enhanced driver assistance systems, 12.8" OLED multimedia touchscreen and so much more. It should also be mentioned that the EQS is great to look at. But how much will it cost? The automaker has just announced that the Mercedes-Benz EQS price is $102,310. They go on to say that they will begin to arrive in U.S. dealerships this fall. It will be offered in three trims: EQS 450+ Sedan, EQS 450+ Sedan and EQS 580 4MATIC Sedan. See All Mercedes-Benz For Sale " width="680"> Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Edward Jones – September 07, 2021

Electric Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Concept Revealed

This concept looks ready to roll off of the production line. When Mercedes-Benz unveiled the current generation of the G-Wagon back in January 2018, Chair of the Boat of Management of Daimer AG at the time, Dieter Zetsche, promised Arnold Schwarzenegger that they would produce an electrified version of the SUV in the future. Now, three years later, Mercedes-Benz is showing off their concept for what that would look like and it's called the Concept EQG. According to the automaker, this concept is a "near-production study," and it sure looks like it. From the front to the rear, this concept is a wonderful interpretation of what an electrified version of the iconic G-Wagon would look like. Unlike the current G-Class models, however, this concept is powered by four electric motors that are individually controllable. By having four separate motors and the independent suspension, this concept has is a true 4x4 with boundless of-roading capabilities. As for the power output of these motors, that's unknown for right now. From the looks of it, the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG looks ready for production so stay with us for more info as it's released. See All AMG G 63s For Sale Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG Source: Daimler/Mercedes-Benz

By Andrew Nabors – September 03, 2021

The SUV the Ultra-Rich are Buying: Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600

You might think AMG builds their most exclusive rides, but they can't deliver anything close to Maybach. Named for a brilliant engineer, your driver will appreciate the attention to detail. While it does share a few parts with the normal GLS, the 3rd row of seating is taken up by massive massaging buckets that have the ability to fold flat. With so many options related to comfort, the automaker has included a wireless tablet to have all systems within easy reach. Borrowing power from the G63, you will have 550 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. It's enough to reach 60 mph in 4.8 seconds thanks to help from the EQ system. Choosing between 22" or 23" wheels comes down to personal preference, they will ride smooth regardless thanks to E-Active body control. More leather and wood than you ever thought possible is along for the ride, and each passenger has their own climate zone. Every Maybach has offered incredible features, and this one even has a traffic light viewer. If you don't feel like keeping your eyes glued to the lights, the car zooms in on them and put them on the navigation screen. Instead of the ride control having a comfort mode, Maybach mode also softens the engine and steering responses to keep you disconnected from the world outside. Not wanting to park it for the Winter, Drake actually fitted his with a snow plow for year-round fun. View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Mercedes Maybach GLS 600s For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 29, 2021

Mercedes-AMG Celebrating 50-Years At 24-Hours Of Spa with...

Mercedes-AMG is celebrating 50-years at the 24 Hours of Spa with three commemorative GT3's. While the automotive continues to grow in technology and performance, there is always time to look back on the milestones accomplished. Mercedes-AMG is a brand that helped shape the way of motorsports, competing in iconic endurances races like the 24 Hours of Spa in Belgium. Mercedes-AMG is celebrating its 50th anniversary participating in the race with three exclusive GT3 special editions. The limited-edition ’50 Years Legend of Spa’ collection consists of one Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3, one Mercedes-AMG GT3 (model year 2016), and the current evolution version of the Mercedes-AMG GT3. All three race cars are ready-to-race one-offs with special characteristics and unique features. Characteristic is the livery that recalls the iconic looks of the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG from 50 years ago. Next to the red basic color, the surfaces for starting numbers and sponsors have been unmistakably inspired by the race participation at Spa at the time. View All Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG For Sale Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 “50 Years Legend of Spa” Mercedes-AMG The SLS AMG GT3 “50 Years Legend of Spa” is a brand-new competition gullwing from the year 2021. Officially, production of the model range came to an end in 2015, but for the anniversary edition, Mercedes-AMG took the final and only still available body shell of the model from its warehouse. This was used to build the special version. Together with the other characteristics and specifications of the special version, the result is a car that can’t be exceeded in terms of uniqueness. Mercedes-AMG GT3 “50 Years Legend of Spa” (MY 2016) Mercedes-AMG The Mercedes-AMG GT3 “50 Years Legend of Spa” is a fascinating new car from the first model generation that meanwhile has been discontinued. Next to the typical special color schemes for the interior and the exterior as well as the numerous special features, the race car has another characteristic that is making it unmistakable and unique: its chassis number. The space frame of the anniversary edition, made from aluminium, has the concise number 100. Mercedes-AMG GT3 “50 Years Legend of Spa” (MY 2020) Mercedes-AMG Slick-shod and striving for success: as a special edition “50 Years Legend of Spa”, the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 is representing the present as well as the past and the future. Apart from the performance exhaust system that is making it even more powerful, its technology is identical to that of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 cars that are on the grid for this year’s 24-hour race. Moreover, with its looks and its special features, it is a tribute to the DNA and the history of the AMG brand. Media/Info Source: Mercedes-AMG

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