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 Edward Jones – January 09, 2020

See the Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR's Stunning Light Display

At CES 2020, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Vision AVTR as one of their wildest creations to date. It's design and even the materials its composed of were all inspired by the film "Avatar." Across the car is a myriad of lights that put on one of the most dazzling displays you can find on an automobile. If you don't believe us, check out the video below that shows these lights in action. It's easy to see from this light show that the designers used the environments and creatures from "Avatar" as inspiration. SEE ALL MERCEDES-BENZ FOR SALE " width="680">

By Edward Jones – January 07, 2020

Mercedes-Benz Unveils Concept Car Inspired by "Avatar" Movie

Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled the new Vision AVTR concept car, a new vehicle that was actually inspired by James Cameron's film "AVATAR." Yes, the movie with the blue aliens that was a worldwide hit has a Mercedes based on it now. Welcome to 2020. So what exactly is the Mercedes-Benz vision AVTR? It's a lot of things, that's for sure, but it is an electric car. In fact, its battery is free of all rare earths and metal, and all materials are compostable. This recyclable vision for the car comes from the "AVATAR" film and its focus on sustainable energy sources. The battery isn't the only sustainable component in the Vision VTR. Mercedes chose vegan DINAMICA®leather for the interior, which they say "guarantees environmental sustainability throughout the entire production cycle." As for its design, it was heavily influenced by creatures from the "AVATAR" film. There are also 33 "bionic flaps" on the back of the Vision AVTR that look like the scales of a reptile. These flaps move naturally and "communicate" with the driver and outside world. Mercedes also stacked the Vision AVTR with some intuitive technology. Instead of using a standard steering wheel, they went with a control element that's found on the center console. When the driver places their hand on this control element, the car "comes to life" and it recognizes them by their heartbeat and breathing. They also added in the ability to project menu selection onto the driver's palm. Obviously, this is a true concept car, but it's still an interesting look into where the future of Mercedes cars could go. SEE ALL MERCEDES-BENZ FOR SALE

By Andrew Nabors – September 10, 2019

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS Unveiled in Frankfurt

With the European Union pushing for environmental sustainability, Mercedes-Benz is blazing a new trail with their latest concept. The idea of an electric sedan is not new, but you need to arrive in style if you are late to the party. That's why the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS was unveiled in Frankfurt this morning. Browse Mercedes-Benz For Sale The press release is more existential than Carl Sagan, so perhaps this is nothing but a big tease. Starting at the front, the grille is an LED screen with free-floating signals and a 3D Mercedes-Benz star. The interior is awash in DINAMICA fiber which is made from recycled plastic ocean waste. A few trees were cut down for the interior trim accents, with the interior themed to resemble a nautical cockpit. A 100 kWh battery powers two electric motors for All Wheel Drive. They have a combined output of 469 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque. It leaps to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 124 mph. Intelligent programming of the brakes and battery offer a range of 435 miles, in theory. The problem with sustainable cars is the energy required to make the materials. Much like the ill-fated BMW i3, processing recycled materials generates more carbon than if it was gas-powered. We honestly hope Mercedes-Benz can push a more conventional electric sedan to market, so stay with us for more coverage of the Frankfurt auto show. Related: Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe and Cabriolet Revealed Land Rover Defender 110 Has Arrived

By Andrew Nabors – September 04, 2019

2020 Mercedes-Benz EQ Sedan Teased Ahead of Frankfurt

The Porsche Taycan's has been revealed but one of its competitors, the Mercedes-Benz EQ, is waiting until the Frankfurt Auto Show which opens this weekend to show off its production form. Although pre-production prototypes have been released, the real 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQ Sedan has been teased ahead of Frankfurt. The production model is covered to keep us guessing, and we feel that it will share influences from the EQC Undercover sedan in Frankfurt: Mercedes-Benz EQC SUV from earlier this year: They are likely to use the same powertrain, so this sleek sedan will probably arrive with 402 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque. High-voltage DC charging is standard equipment, so range will not be an issue. Tell us what you think of an electric Mercedes-Benz Sedan in the comments below and stay with us for all your MB news. Browse Luxury Cars For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 17, 2019

Mercedes-Benz EQC 1886 Unveiled in New York

We just received shocking news about the future of electric cars. The Mercedes-Benz EQC 1886 was just unveiled in New York. As their first battery-powered crossover. Although production has not begun, it will debut with the 1886 special edition. The name pays homage to their first car. The Benz Patent-Motorwagen made horses obsolete, and the EQC is poised to change the world also. All examples will have a built-in AC charger that transforms household 110v into 7.4kW. It can also handle 240v from a dryer plug, or High Voltage DC from public chargers. It has 2 motors mounted at the front and rear to offer a combined 402 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque. The main battery is 80 kWh, and pushes it to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Range predictions are between 277 to 293 miles depending on your driving mode. The ENERGIZING COACH system teaches you how to conserve range, and it even recommends mode changes based on traffic and average speeds. The 1886 edition will have embroidered seats, Burmester surround sound, and an exclusive exterior. Every example will be painted metallic high-tech silver. Unlike the competition, it offers moderate acceleration and a battery focused on long term reliability. It doesn't have dancing doors or dog mode, but it is a warning shot to the electric car industry. The EQC is poised to be an affordable family hauler thanks to the federal tax rebate, so stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz news. Browse Mercedes-Benz For Sale " width="680"> Related: 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe & SUV Unveiled Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro Review by Carfection

By Andrew Nabors – April 15, 2019

Mercedes-Benz GLB Concept Unveiled Ahead of Shanghai Auto...

China has emerged as a giant market for luxury brands. Japanese luxury brands aren't so hot thanks to a few thousand years of tension, so German and American imports have become status symbols for the upper class. Considering the need for a thrifty and practical compact SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLB Concept was unveiled ahead of the Shangai Auto Show. It is a concept to study if there is demand for a family SUV situated between the GLA and the GLC class. For a quick refresher, the GL models are usually based on their corresponding car chassis. GLA is an A-Class and GLE is an E-class. America has not had much experience with the B-Class because it is such a flooded market for the time being. Nevertheless, the notion of a 4-cylinder compact SUV is appealing. Offering 224 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque is sent to the 4MATIC All Wheel Drive. It has 3 modes depending on terrain. Normally torque is split 80/20 favoring the front wheels, Sport mode moves down to 70:30, and in off-road it is even at 50/50 front to rear. We have great deals on the GLC and its AMG models in the link below. So tell us if you think the GLB is right for the U.S., and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz news. Browse Mercedes-Benz GLC Class For Sale Related: Mercedes-AMG CLA 35: New Entry-Level AMG Merdedes-AMG GT R Pro Review by Carfection

By Edward Jones – September 27, 2016

Mercedes-Benz's Tesla Fighter is Teased

Tesla has proved that electric cars can be viable in the automotive market and now it seems as though automakers are chomping at the bit to get their competing models out. One automaker that has already thrown their hat into the electric ring is Mercedes-Benz. The German company has already introduced electric cars like the SLS AMG Electric Drive and even the new Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6. Now, they're looking to get more mainstream in what most see as an effort to compete with Tesla.(Related - Pininfarina to Actually Sell the Bizarre H2 Speed Concept)In a video released today, Mercedes-Benz teases an upcoming model that looks to be a small SUV. With a title like "Ready to Change?", they're looking to turn heads with this unnamed car. While the specifics of this car are unknown, the video does give us a glimpse into its sleek interior that is unlike any we've seen in a Mercedes model before. Click play below to see what I mean.For those who want to learn more about this car, more will be revealed when the Paris Motor Show starts on September 29.

By Caitlin Duffy – October 28, 2015

Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo Introduced at Tokyo Motor Show

The oldest among them is only 20 years old, but Mercedes-Benz is already targeting Generation Z with their latest introduction: the Vision Tokyo design study concept.Press previews for the Tokyo Motor Show kicked off today, with marques left and right unveiling their latest designs for international crowds gathered in the Japanese metropolis. Mercedes-Benz issued a press release today detailing their centerpiece for the show, with a slew of photos and a YouTube video giving us a virtual look at this car of the future.The Vision Tokyo, as it's being called, is the next evolution of the design-study showcars, which were first introduced in 2012 with the Vision Ener-G-Force at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The most recent car in that series that holds the most resemblance to the Vision Tokyo is the autonomous F 015 Luxury in Motion Research Vehicle, which was introduced at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show.The Vision Tokyo is also designed to be an autonomous vehicle, acting more as a luxury lounge than a car to drive. "Mercedes-Benz aims to show how the car of the future can be turned into a hip living space – a chill-out zone in the midst of megacity traffic mayhem," describes the release. The idea of a car acting as customizable luxury lounge is similar to Nissan's Teatro for Dayz concept, which focuses more heavily on an integrated user experience geared toward entertaining passengers as they travel from "a" to "b."It's through designing cars for the newest generation that these manufacturers hope to jump to the forefront of the inevitable transportation revolution; traffic is becoming increasingly congested in cities, traditional driver's cars are being viewed as unsustainable and cars are looking more and more like large electronics than gas-powered beasts to tame."The role of the vehicle has changed for this global generation: it is no longer simply a means of getting around, but a digital, automobile companion," described Mercedes-Benz, speaking to the growth of software integration in vehicles. Electric vehicles are increasingly popular, as are cars with wireless hotspots, 4G connectivity, app integration and Bluetooth abilities.But the coolest part about the Vision Tokyo concept is its use of LED screens and holograms. Particularly the holograms. Apps, maps and displays will be displayed as 3D holograms in the center of the console, and will be used through touch activation.(See Also: Bugatti Veyron Demolishes Mercedes-AMG GT S Despite Head Start)This is the car the of the future, no doubts about it.Check out the photos of this insane new concept, then find one of Mercedes-Benz's more traditional designs for your collection from our exclusive listings at the button below.Mercedes-Benzs For SaleGallery (via Mercedes-Benz, YouTube) See More Mercedes-Benz News

By Edward Jones – October 19, 2015

Jay Leno Drives the Rare Mercedes-Benz C111 Concept Car

Back in the 1960s and 1970s, Mercedes-Benz went through an experimental phase centered around the C111. With this car, they tested new engines, suspensions, aerodynamics and more in order to better improve their production models.C111s were quite famous for being fitted with different engines, including Wankel, diesel and turbocharged engines. One of the most notorious C111s was the C111-III, which housed a straight-5 turbodiesel engine. This engine was enough to power the car up to 200 mph, quite the feat for a car back in the '70s.(Also Read: Unlikely Drag Race: Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0 vs Porsche 918 Spyder)Recently, Constantin von Kageneck from the Mercedes-Benz Classics Center brought the C111-II, a predecessor of the C111-III, over to Jay Leno's Garage. Leno was delighted at the sight of the Wankel-engined, fiberglass concept car. But who wouldn't be? The car itself is in great condition, thanks to proper care from Mercedes-Benz, and it's such a rare model.The full video of von Kageneck's visit and Leno's drive was uploaded to YouTube Oct. 18 for us all to view. You'll most certainly learn a lot of facts and insight about the car by watching the video below.(Source: YouTube) More Mercedes-Benz News

By Edward Jones – September 14, 2015

Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA: Digital Transformer

Unveiled at the 2015 IAA today is the new Mercedes-Benz "Concept IAA" (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile). In today's press release detailing the new concept car, Mercedes-Benz states that this "is two cars in one: an aerodynamics world champion with a Cd value of 0.19 and a four-door coupé embodying irresistible design."So, what's so special about this car? For starters, it's a transformer. No, it won't fight other transformers, but it does have eight segments in the rear that will extend with manually or automatically at 50 mph. This increases the length of the car by 15.3-inches. Additionally, front flaps int he front bumpers the Active Rims and louvre in the front bumper also transform to improve aerodynamics.(See Also: Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo Concept Debuts at IAA)The Concept IAA also features what Mercedes is calling "Car-to-X" technology. This means that it can communicate with other cars on the road in order to help avoid accidents or events that could hinder a trip from point A to B.Powering the German transformer is a gasoline/electric plug-in setup that provides 279 hp and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.The press release states that the design lines of the exterior and touch-based functions of the Concept IAA's interior are great examples of what future Mercedes-Benz models might look like. For more information on this futuristic concept, be sure to stay with us as the IAA 2015 gets into full-swing.Mercedes-Benz ListingsGallery (Source: Mercedes-Benz/Daimler) See More Mercedes-Benz News

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