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.

eSprinter Roadshow, 2019eSprinter Roadshow, 2019

By Andrew Nabors – December 20, 2019

Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Production Begins

Yesterday around noon, something revolutionary rolled off the assembly line in Düsseldorf. The automotive world is gaining voltage, and 2020 will see over a dozen new electric cars & trucks. While Tesla teased us with a wild Cybertruck prototype, engineers in Germany had an Ace in the hole. As of today, the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter production has begun. Because the Mercedes Sprinter is such a versatile hauler, it is popular with Public Utilities, Amazon Deliveries, and motorsports support vans. This new model will arrive with an 85 kWh battery and a range of 105 miles. This is great news for our friends at Airstream, as they build the most popular Sprinters in the U.S. Click The Link Below To Learn More These plush RVs arrive with every amenity. A fully-loaded Airstream Interstate includes a full kitchen, shower, surround sound and ambient lighting just to name a few. The powered steps, exterior TV, and the awning make it the perfect way to see the USA. Click the button above to see what Airstream has to offer, and imagine enjoying it without polluting. Tell us what you think of the eSprinter in the comments below and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz news. Luxury Sprinter Buyers Guide " width="680"> Related:

By Andrew Nabors – December 17, 2019

Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen Family Adventure

From ancient Carthage to modern France, Morrocco has been pushed around by bullies. But now with rumors of a reconciliation with their neighbors to the east, it is a perfect time to experience the beauty of the Moroccan-Algerian border. That is why their latest film is a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen Family Adventure. The Senkal family attacked the Sahara in a classic G 230 GE. This indestructible model was introduced in 1982, and they are very sought-after here in the U.S. They are not exactly fast, so we would have chosen a Brabus Widestar instead. Our dealers have the perfect Gelandewagen for you, so click the button below and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz updates. Browse all Mercedes-Benz G-Class For Sale " width="680"> Related: 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Price & Specs

By Andrew Nabors – December 16, 2019

Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen Loves Spa Treatments

Choosing the right gift can be difficult, but you can't go wrong with a Day Spa. Unlike lesser SUVs, your G-Wagen is designed for mudbaths. Not only does mud attach itself to road debris, but the process of washing it away is also analogous to a chemical peel. A Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen for sale loves spa treatments not only for cleansing the exterior. It allows all 3 differentials to exercise themselves when locked. Bouncing across open terrain allows full travel to your suspension, something it won't experience running errands. Finally, the stability control and the air suspension are put to the test, which keeps then in working order. Click the button below to find yours, and let it play in the mud once in a while. Browse All Mercedes-Benz G Class for Sale " width="680"> Related: Mercedes-AMG G63 Price & Specs

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

2A-001-Convertible-Mercedes-G-250-083787-1

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/

MAYBACH Accessoires - Inbegriff des „Ultimate Luxury“MAYBACH Accessories – “Ultimate Luxury" in its finest form

By Andrew Nabors – December 05, 2019

Mercedes-Maybach Holiday Gifts Unveiled

Wilhelm Maybach began building cars 110 years ago. Since then, each example has been delivered with unparalleled luxury and power. While most manufacturers offer winter tire sets and all-weather floor mats, Maybach owners demand the best for themselves and their chauffeurs. Now available at your local Maybach dealer, these stocking stuffers range from stylish eyewear, calfskin backpacks, purses, champagne flutes, and even an iPhone 10 integration module. Browse Mercedes-Maybach S560 For Sale The perfect accessories for your BRABUS 900 S650, or the new Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, they are available at your local dealer. Click the button above to find one near you and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Maybach updates. Related: 2019 Mercedes-Maybach Specs, Price, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – December 03, 2019

VINwiki Confirms New Cannonball Record

Records are meant to be broken, and that is why Brock Yates and his son decided to drive from NYC to LA as fast as possible. Their time of 40 hours and 51 minutes was a tribute to legendary racer "Cannonball Baker". Several more runs involved Dan Gurney, Richard Rawlings, Dennis Collins, Alex Roy, just to name a few. Our friend Ed Bolian was the first to do it under 29 hours, and given the modifications to his Mercedes-Benz, we assumed it could not be beaten. But as the founder of VINwiki, he has inspired another team that has crossed the nation in a much quicker time. Browse All Mercedes-AMG E63 For Sale A Mercedes-AMG E63 traveled 2,825 miles at triple-digit speeds without breaking a sweat, so click the button above to find one for yourself. " width="680"> P.S. We do not advocate speeding or reckless driving, so please obey all traffic laws. Related: Ferrari F430 Scuderia Six-Speed History by VINwiki VINwiki Finds Seized Supercars in Brazil

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATICMercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC

By Andrew Nabors – November 21, 2019

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is Their First SUV

The world changed last night in Guangzhou. Not only does the world have a new player in the luxury SUV market, it won't be built in Germany. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is their first SUV, and each example will be assembled in Birmingham, Alabama. Much like their competitors at BMW, the U.S.-built models seem to have better paint and build-quality than their domestic builds. Much of what you need to know was unveiled in the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 that we covered yesterday. As expected, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS will arrive with nicer leather and more power, but the beauty is in the details. The air suspension shares almost no parts with lesser models, and it lowers slightly when the doors are open. The powered running boards are fabricated of anodized aluminum and feature LED illumination. The same 48-volt hybrid system found on the other GLS models will be coupled to a handbuilt Maybach V8. The 4-liter is rated at 558 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Browse All Mercedes Maybach GLS 600 For Sale Sadly, this is also the first Maybach without a provision for their legendary V12. Mercedes-AMG and Maybach have quietly dropped it from all production cars, except one remaining customer: Horacio Pagani. Tell us what you think of the latest Mercedes-Maybach in the comments below and stay with us for all your SUV news. " width="680"> Related: 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Price & Specs Revealed Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Edward Jones – November 20, 2019

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 Revealed

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 has been unveiled at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. This refreshed SUV comes with redesigned styling, especially up front where the new grille resides in full force. Mercedes increased the wheelbase of the new GLS 63 over its predecessor and because of this, legroom has been increased by 3.4-inches for passengers in the second row. For its engine, Mercedes equipped the new GLS 63 with an AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine and comes with an integrated EQ Boost starter-generator. This addition gives the SUV an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Without this additional power, the SUV's total power output is 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. This power and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission work together for a 0 to 60 mph time of around 4.1 seconds. SEE ALL MERCEDES GLS FOR SALE

By Andrew Nabors – November 05, 2019

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT S Coupe For Sale

Presented by BMW of Freeport - This powerhouse boasts 515 Horsepower at 6000 RPM with a 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine and a SPEEDSHIFT Dual Clutch 7-speed transmission. Fully loaded with a $9,900 AMG Solarbeam Yellow exterior, this car offers a 479 lb-ft torque at almost any RPM. AMG DYNAMIC SELECT includes RACE mode so you can pick and choose your opponents. Not only is the steering feedback altered, but the transmission shift points and firmness are also dialed up to 11! View Price & Listing Other included innovations are: Carbon Fiber-Composite Driveshaft, AMG Adaptive Sport Suspension and Forged Dual Wishbone Suspension. Only 1,129 miles. Click the link above to view all the details.

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