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 – December 14, 2021

Mercedes Launches The Santoni For AMG Collection

The perfect luxury accessories to match the brutal performance from Mercedes-AMG. The construction of a modern-day supercar incorporates the perfect blend of industry-leading performance and luxury interior amenities. For Mercedes-AMG, the brand celebrates traditional interior design with the ability to configure the cabin layout using an array of material and color options. Following the same creative forward-thinking as a fashion brand, Mercedes-AMG is proud to team up with Santoni to make that thought a reality. MUST-READ: Discover The New Ferrari Eyewear Collection Available Now The all-new Santoni For AMG Collection features premium products and accessories that use the same high-quality materials in vehicles on the production line. The collection includes sneakers, baggage, and accessories that come in an array of styles and colors, making it the perfect addition to complement any style. The Santoni For AMG line best highlights the similarities, attention to detail, and high industry standards of both luxury powerhouses. Shop the all-new Santoni For AMG Collection by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury lifestyle news and releases. Shop Mercedes-AMG x Santoni Source: Santoni

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 07, 2021

Amalgam Collection Shrinks Lewis Hamilton's Car to a Quar...

Amalgam’s Quarter Scale model of Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes-Benz F1 car is 25% of the size with 100% of the thrill. Since 1985, Amalgam Collection has been making model cars with incredible attention to detail in various scales, ranging from miniature sculptures and 1:18 models at the smallest to 1:4 at the largest. Their latest effort, in celebration of Lewis Hamilton’s seven championship wins, Amalgam Collection will be selling only seven examples of their quarter-scale model of his F1 car in the livery it wore when he surpassed Michael Schumacher’s record for most race wins at the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix. Click here to check it out. For the F1 enthusiast who wants to see and experience a model of Lewis Hamilton’s F1 car in a manner only second to the real thing, $35,030 is what it will take to own this four-foot-long replica of the incredible Mercedes machine. The reason for this price is the fact that each one takes over 450 hours to assemble, and that is after the 4500 hours it took to develop the model, with no expenses spared according to Amalgam Collection, and paint codes and CAD designs provided by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team themselves. And if you can’t get your hands on the Lewis Hamilton model, Valtteri Bottas and George Russell versions are also available. Visit AmalgamCollection.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 01, 2021

Mercedes-Benz Project MAYBACH With Virgil Abloh

Rubell Museum to showcase Project MAYBACH to the public from December 1st – December 2nd. The world is devastated by the recent passing of fashion designer icon Virgil Abloh, who incorporated his unique artistic vision into countless collaborations and collections. As a member of the Mercedes-Benz family, Virgil continued to work closely with Chief Design Officer Garden Wagener on reimagining production vehicles as works of art displayed for enthusiasts to enjoy. Along with successful collaboration ventures like Project Geländenwagen, Virgil set out to shock the automotive and fashion world with his highly-anticipated release of Project MAYBACH. Mercedes-Benz is proud to honor the work of Virgil Abloh by revealing Project MAYBACH following the wishing of his family. MUST-READ: Project Geländenwagen By Mercedes-Benz x Virgil Abloh As an idea started from scratch, Virgil and Gorden took to the drawing board to create an off-road electric two-seater that pushes the boundaries of function, style, and collaborative creativity. The inspiration behind Project Maybach was complete creative freedom, the great outdoors, and recontextualizing a traditionally metropolitan brand within a distinctly off-road environment. Project MAYBACH channels Abloh's passion to challenge the status quo and re-write the rulebook of aspirational design. The X-Factor nature of Project MAYBACH results not only from its breathtaking size (nearly 20 feet long) and characteristics. While Project MAYBACH was inspired by his creative efforts, the Mercedes-Benz teams thank Virgil Abloh for the inspiration to explore the power of cross-industry dialogue. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury car news and releases. Source: Mercedes-Benz

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

Mercedes-Benz News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe