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 – February 27, 2020

New 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Blends Comfort & Capability

Geneva is shaping up to be a Battle Royale for luxury utilities. Audi has unleashed an all-new Q7, so it is only fitting that the new 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE blends comfort & capability. In their latest YouTube upload, their spokesman's word choice is undoubtedly aimed at Americans. For the new model, All Wheel Drive is standard. The GLE 350 has a 255 horsepower turbo 4, and the GLE 450 has their new 3-liter straight-six turbo with a 48-volt hybrid assist. In addition to the traditional turbo, an electric supercharger keeps it spooled to offer 362 horsepower at an instant. If you need a V8, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S has no less than 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Click the button below to find one near you and stay with us for all your Geneva coverage. Browse All Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 24, 2020

2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Preview

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By Andrew Nabors – January 30, 2020

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Edition 1 in Action

Don't believe the hype, SUVs are not killing performance sedans. If you need proof, our friends at DragTimesInfo just uploaded an epic teaser. Since we're accustomed to their drag racing coverage, this might signal a move to mainstream video production. Tell us what you think of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Edition 1 in action. For a brief refresher, this aggressive 4-door sends 639 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. Sixty mph arrives in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 196 mph. We covered it in detail here, so click the button below to find yours! Browse All Mercedes-AMG GT 63 For Sale " width="680"> Related: Mercedes-AMG Unveils AMG GT 63 S Edition 1

By Andrew Nabors – December 17, 2019

Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen Family Adventure

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By Andrew Nabors – December 16, 2019

Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen Loves Spa Treatments

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By Andrew Nabors – December 03, 2019

VINwiki Confirms New Cannonball Record

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By Andrew Nabors – October 23, 2019

Mercedes-Benz: 60 Years of Crash Tests

Celebrating attributes like performance and style is trivial when compared to safety. Since September 10, 1959, one company has sacrificed over 14,000 cars in the name of safety. So let's look back at Mercedes-Benz through 60 years of crash tests. After the war, Germany was expanding the Autobahn with unrestricted speeds. The problem is that they did not have on-ramps. Many Autobahn entrances were simple right-hand turns. Browse All Mercedes-Benz For Sale This caused unfortunate drivers to get smashed before they could get up to speed. So here's to Mercedes-Benz for pioneering several safety systems. After all, it is hard to have repeat business if the customer dies.

By Andrew Nabors – August 28, 2019

Mercedes-AMG Unveils 2021 GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé

Don't let the images fool you, this 4-door hatchback crossover is a " Coupé ". Mercedes-Benz and Porsche have adopted the terminology to apply to any model without upper window frames on the doors. Nevertheless, this is still a crossover SUV. To return fire at the latest Porsche Cayenne Coupe, Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the 2021 GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé ahead of the Frankfurt Auto Show. Because everyone associates AMG's 63 series as all-out performance, think of AMG 53 models as sporty with a hint of efficiency. With an all-new 3.0L straight-six engine, it combines twin-turbos with an "EQ Boost". This uses the alternator to add 22 horsepower & 184 lb-ft from a 48-volt mild hybrid system. It may not seem like much, but 22 horsepower adds up in city driving. The total output is 457 horsepower and 567 lb-ft of torque- not too shabby! The best feature is that this electric boost is integrated into a new Stop & Go Assist. It uses the lane keep assist and collision avoidance to maintain the same distance to the car in front of you, without any input from the driver. Using their latest AWD system (4MATIC+) it will be a safe & practical family car. We're waiting on the upcoming GLE 63, which will offer the 4.0L twin-turbo V8. Stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG news, and click the link below to find a GLE near you. Browse Mercedes-AMG GLE For Sale " width="680"> Related: Mercedes-AMG G63 Price & Specs Revealed Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe Specs, Photos, Price & Review

By Andrew Nabors – July 05, 2019

2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Will Arrive With 382 Horsepower!

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By Andrew Nabors – April 18, 2019

Mercedes-Benz Unveils GLS in New York

Karl Benz would be elated to see how his company has evolved. We have been covering all their new models from Shanghai to Manhattan, and it seems as if no other automaker comes close. Because SUVs are hot again, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the GLS in New York. It follows their logical nomenclature, which begins with GLA as the smallest SUV. Next is the GLB, a bit bigger and also the basis for their EQC electric crossover. The GLC and GLE models are larger still, and are offered in Coupe and SUV models. But if you want the biggest and most well-equipped, the GLS arrives with seating for 6. The wheelbase is 2.4" longer than the GLE, and this translates to a smooth ride and much more interior room. Under the hood of the GLS 450 is their 3.0L turbocharged straight six. The real shocker (literally) is the GLS 580. It is the first time Mercedes-Benz has combined their 48-volt hybrid system with a V8 engine. We have driven several examples of the EQ Boost system on six-cylinder models, so a V8 version is mouthwatering. The engine alone offers 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, and the EQ Boost can add 21 hp and 184 lb-ft from the integrated motor/generator. Designed without compromise, both 3rd row seats have space for humans who are 6'5" tall. Other features include 5-zone climate control. Built for the world market, it will be assembled exclusively by Mercedes USA in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This makes it the most powerful American SUV on the market, but if you cant wait for them, our dealers have nice incentives on the GLE class. Click the link below and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz updates. Browse Mercedes-Benz GLE For Sale

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