McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

Mercedes-Benz News

Mercedes-Benz news fromduPont REGISTRY News, updated daily, covering the S-Class, the Maybach range, the AMG models, the G-Class and the electric line-up. Our reporting takes in reveals, first drives, bespoke builds and the auction results that set collector values. Mercedes-Benz competes across more segments than almost any rival, so the news here runs unusually wide. Our marketplace supplies the part most publications leave out entirely. A great many of these cars are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which puts a review and a real asking price side by side. For Mercedes-Benz news today, and the luxury car market news around it, start here.

By Andrew Nabors – January 20, 2021

2021 Mercedes-Benz EQA Is A Compact Electric Crossover

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By Andrew Nabors – January 04, 2021

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB Receives S-Class Upgrades

Size isn't everything when it comes to daily transportation. If you value having the best safety and technology in your commute, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB has received S-Class upgrades. These will also apply to the BRABUS GLB if you need the ultimate in acceleration. " width="680"> Not only is their compact crossover efficient, it now offers real-time "Distronic" cruise control integrated with your local speed limits. If you desire, the car can maintain a variable distance to traffic ahead while obeying the posted speed limits. Active lane-keeping, autonomous braking, and parking package are not available from competitors, so click the button below to learn more. Browse Mercedes-Benz GLB For Sale Image (C) Mercedes-Benz

By Andrew Nabors – December 14, 2020

Lewis Hamilton Drives Mercedes-AMG Project ONE "After Work"

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By Andrew Nabors – December 11, 2020

2021 Mercedes-Benz EQC On Display at BMW Museum

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By Andrew Nabors – December 02, 2020

Mercedes-AMG Project ONE Simulator Is Full-Size Fun

Because they needed a way to test the actual car in a virtual realm, the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE simulator is full-size fun. When it comes to copying real-life objects, Plato mentioned two ways of accomplishing the same task. The first would be an identical copy of the original (simulation), and the second would be a representation that is purposely distorted to fit the situation (simulacra). Mercedes-AMG Project ONE Hits the Track The engineers at Mercedes-AMG have offered the latter in the form of video games and renderings of the car in action. For a true, full-size simulation the cockpit, controls, and the production-ready interior have been surrounded by HD screens. Even the brake calipers are instrumented to monitor the response of the pads under various conditions. What does this tell us? This hypercar is very close to production, as they are wringing out any potential issues. Until then, we have several examples of the Mercedes-AMG GT coupe and sedan with Holliday incentives that can't be overlooked. Click the button below and stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG news. Browse Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 19, 2020

2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Has Arrived

Almost 140 years ago, two men joined forces to build reliable cars. Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach built cars for the wealthy, and their Mercedes-Benz models became a standard for the world. As such, their first brand is reserved for special occasions, so we are proud to announce the arrival of the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. We could write dozens of pages extolling the virtues of this classy sedan, but you probably know it is about to redefine what luxury motoring is for this decade. Starting with a new chassis, it is 7" longer than its predecessor. Given the expansive rear seating area, the powered rear doors open to reveal opulent executive seats. Adaptive lighting has modes for working, relaxation, and the ability to fine-tune the interior ambiance. Thanks to E-Active Body Control, a computer scans the road ahead to change the air suspension and shock absorbers before a bump can disturb the passengers. What's more, the rear-wheel steering system moves the center of rotation closer to the rear seats. This lowers the g-forces imparted to your guests. The refrigerator behind the armrest has two settings: 33.8 or 44.6 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on what you want to drink. " width="680"> No matter what solid color or 2-tone exterior you choose, the paint shop spends over a week on each car. A hybrid system stores 48 volts that power the suspension, AC compressor, and the suspension systems. A 21 horsepower motor/generator inside the 9-speed transmission allows for for efficient cruising and smooth shifting. Should the car detect a side impact, the system forces the car to jump. Nearly going airborne, it places the impact cross members at the perfect angle to absorb the crash. Our dealers stand ready to build you flagship, so click the button below and stay with us for a complete review of this amazing machine. Browse Mercedes-Maybach For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 18, 2020

2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Sets New Nürburgring Re...

Last week they did it with a sedan, and today we are happy to announce that the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series has set a new Nürburgring lap record and is now the fastest production car around Nurburgring. In case you missed it, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S sedan used AWD and massive power to cross the finish line in 7:23.009. What we didn't know is that testing for this achievement involved a proper shakedown of the Black Series coupe. 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Sets New Sedan Record At Nürburgring GT3 Phenom Maro Engel was behind the wheel of the AMG GT to offer insights to his teammates. During the lead-up, he was able to help them find an optimal line while also perfecting the camber, corner weight, and suspension settings in his car. The old German track demands the hardest sway bar settings while keeping AMG traction control between notch 6 and 7, its most intrusive safety system. Michelin offers two rubber compounds exclusively for this car, and he chose the softer one as the track warmed up. Far from the media and prying eyes, he aimed for the finish line at Wide Open Throttle. The timing lights read 6.48.047, nearly a second faster than a race-prepped Aventador SVJ from 2 years ago. Given the record holder is Rear Wheel Drive and has 4 fewer cylinders, Lamborghini will be hard-pressed to regain the top spot. As usual, Mercedes-AMG will build as many of these as dealers can order, with the exact tires and suspension seen below. So click the button to find our dealer near you. Browse Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 16, 2020

2021 Mercedes-Benz EQA & EQS Are Ready For Launch

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By Andrew Nabors – November 11, 2020

2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Sets New Sedan Record At Nürbur...

As you read this please consider what is happening around the world. Engineers and drivers of the world's fastest production cars have been smacked by news from the Nordschleife, as the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S has set a new sedan record at Nürburgring. Unless you are part of their team, you have been ordered to focus on electric cars and less on motorsports. But records are meant to be broken. That's why they have been chasing it for almost a year. Watch the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series in Action With the engine and transmission offering unflinching resolve, they spent many long days perfecting the suspension, All Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Steering systems. This allowed 630 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque to keep the car at the edge of taking flight. Therefore a new AMG Aerodynamics package was developed to increase stability while lowering drag. Waiting for perfect weather, test driver Demian Schaffert chose to attack the track with ambient temperatures hovering around 44.6 degrees. Crossing the finish line in 7:23.009, he beat his previous record (in the first AMG GT 63 Sedan) by 2.3 seconds. Compared to other lap times it is deep into supercar territory, flanked by the 911 Carrera GTS and the Dodge Viper ACR. It will be a long time before another sedan goes faster, so this car demands respect in any situation. The AMG GT 63 S is not a limited run nor is it priced into oblivion. That's why you should click the button below and stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG news. Browse Mercedes-AMG GT 63 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – October 07, 2020

Inside AMG: Testing At The 'Ring

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