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 – September 19, 2024

Dealer Spotlight: 10 Must-See Luxury Cars & SUVs At Merce...

Crafted with precision, infused with race-winning performance, and centered around uninhibited driving pleasure – Mercedes-Benz vehicles have captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts across the globe. The Mercedes-AMG partnership has combined victorious racing spirit with exacting engineering to produce some of the most coveted vehicles in the world. In a similar fashion, Mercedes-Maybach vehicles represent the pinnacle of personalization and exclusivity. For those who refuse to blend in with the ordinary, Mercedes-Benz of Easton is here to make your dreams a reality. From exclusive exterior paint finishes to hand-crafted bespoke interiors, Mercedes-Benz of Easton is your premier destination for one-of-a-kind Mercedes-Benz models. Examples of its exclusive inventory include multiple specs of the ever-popular G-Wagon, the latest-and-greatest Mercedes-Benz EVs, and luxurious sedans sporting the legendary Mercedes-Maybach badge. Mercedes-Benz of Easton's Nationwide White Glove Delivery Program lets customers experience the utmost confidence and convenience when purchasing their next vehicle. Even if you’re unable to make it into the dealership, this service streamlines the purchase process with the same first-class care you can expect in-person. Your Mercedes-Benz vehicle will be delivered to your home or office in showroom-condition, ready for you to enjoy. Unlike other dealerships, our relationship with you doesn’t end once you drive home in your new Mercedes-Benz. From routine maintenance to advanced diagnostics, our state-of-the-art service center is equipped to handle all your needs. Our team of factory-certified technicians have the knowledge and expertise to give your vehicle the attention that it deserves. It’s only natural that you would demand only the best for your most coveted possession. While your vehicle is being cared for, you can relax and take advantage of the variety of amenities in our luxurious service lounge. From pulse-pounding performance to hand-crafted luxury, Mercedes-Benz of Easton is home to the most exclusive Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the region. The Best or Nothing is more than just a slogan. It’s a guiding principle to how they serve its clients. View All Mercedes-Benz of Easton Inventory 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 View Listing 2023 Porsche 911 Turbo S View Listing 2023 McLaren GT View Listing 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 View Listing 2024 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 View Listing 2022 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG View Listing 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 S View Listing 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE View Listing 2023 Land Rover Range Rover SE View Listing 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R View Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 16, 2023

Hans Werner Aufrecht's HWA & CURATED Partner To Launch Th...

Hans Werner Aufrecht's HWA (@hwalegacy), a giant in the automotive world known for its technical expertise and racing heritage, has teamed up with CURATED, the experts in vintage European automobiles, to launch an exciting restomod venture: the HWA EVO. This collaboration represents a fusion of nostalgic design and contemporary engineering, redefining the concept of a restomod. HWA, established in 1998 following the sale of AMG, has been a dominant force in motor racing and high-performance car development. Its legacy includes iconic creations like the CLK GTR and AMG GT3, making its mark on both the track and the road. CURATED, co-founded by John Temerian and Jordi Ricart in 2015, is world-renowned for its meticulous restorations of analog supercars and sourcing rare automotive icons. This partnership showcases CURATED's expertise in preserving automotive history and HWA's engineering excellence. The HWA EVO, a limited-edition street-legal supercar, promises up to 500 horsepower and a 6-speed manual transmission. Edgar Chu, known for his work on the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT3, has designed the HWA EVO to hit the roads in 2025. The first 100 customized cars will feature a performance-enhanced bi-turbocharged V6 engine, showcasing the perfect blend of past ingenuity and modern advancements. Buyers will have the opportunity to actively engage in the development process, including collaborating with engineers and designers in Germany. This level of involvement ensures that each HWA EVO is viewed more as a personalized masterpiece. Gordian von Schöning, CTO of HWA, highlights that the launch of HWA Legacy through the EVO is a step into a new era, leveraging the company's rich history and passion for speed. Martin Marx, CEO of HWA, emphasizes the significance of this project as a showcase of HWA's accumulated experience and expertise. The HWA EVO restomod is more than a car; it's a journey into the past, reimagined for the future. Dicover the all-new HWA EVO restomod project from HWA x CURATED by clicking the link below. Discover The HWA x CURATED EVO Source: HWA x CURATED

342500901 925268518699975 6608770516281160075 n.jpg

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 24, 2023

Mercedes-Benz of Easton Shows Off Three Virgil Abloh Mayb...

With only 150 sold out examples ever made, 2% of the entire production resides in the middle of an Ohio corn field for this photoshoot.

By Andrew Nabors – January 18, 2021

2015 Mercedes-AMG S63 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz S550

We strive to see you make the most informed purchase. Because every S-Class for sale offers performance and luxury, here is a 2015 Mercedes-AMG S63 versus a 2010 Mercedes-Benz S550. Usually, not much will change in six model years, but the Sonderklasse is their flagship sedan. 2021 Bentley Continental GT V8 Convertible vs W12 Coupe Our friend Matthew Jones is a Sales Manager at Dimmitt Luxury Motors, and their goal is to offer an unrivaled inventory. The 2010 is built on the W221 chassis, and it was the last naturally-aspirated V8. Exterior styling and twin turbos make the 2015 model more appealing, but the supple ride and interior appointments are mostly unchanged. Tell us which car you prefer in the comments below and stay with us for more Supercars in Seconds. Browse Inventory At Dimmitt Luxury Motors " width="680">

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 – May 22, 2019

Dr. Z Retires From Mercedes-Benz & BMW Responds

If you spend 43 years at the same company, you deserve a proper retirement. Dieter Zetsche began working as a research engineer for Mercedes-Benz in 1976. His commitment to quality led him to rise through the ranks, eventually becoming the CEO. He was also the congenial German character in the "Ask Dr. Z" ad campaign during the Daimler-Chrysler era. In a brilliant show of respect to their chief competitor, Dr. Z retires from Mercedes-Benz, and BMW responds. He was responsible for the Chrysler Pacifica, Crossfire, 300, and the resurrection of the Dodge Charger. In fact, the Charger, Challenger, Hellcats and the 300 still ride on RWD chassis his engineers developed. Although he will no longer be calling the shots, Daimler elected him to their board of supervisors. After a mandatory 2 year sabbatical, he will gain this ceremonial position. Stuttgart and Munich are both in Germany, but that is where the similarities end. Each company has a different culture, and this is clearly seen in the products they build. Nevertheless, "just as iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another". Having an arch rival keeps you on your feet, and it forces you to constantly improve your products and yourself. Kudos to BMW for respecting Dr. Z, and to Mercedes-Benz for allowing him to lead the way. We wouldn't have the Demon or Hellcat without him, so click the link below to find one near you. Browse Challenger Hellcats For Sale Related: Nico Rosberg Configures His Mercedes-AMG ONE

By Christina Avila – December 02, 2015

2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe in Designo Magno Alanite...

Last year we met the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe, one of the most powerful contenders in the S-Class range. A shining example of Mercedes-Benz’ masterful pairing of performance and luxury, the S65 AMG is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine. The 621 hp output is responsible for a 0-60 mph time of just 4 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph.If you’re on the hunt for a car that’s thrillingly fast and equally reliable like this one, look no further than Mercedes-Benz of Tampa. It’s there you’ll find a sleek matte Designo Magno Alanite Gray version of this beast, complete with quilted black leather interior and technological trappings abound. Included are a state of the art COMAND navigation and entertainment system, night vision lights, distance pacing cruise control and much more.This S65 isn’t without its AMG perks either. Every twist and turn is easily controlled thanks to the AMG Performance Steering Wheel and AMG Carbon Ceramic Braking System.Ready to become a king of the road? Click the button below to learn more about this S65 AMG Coupe.Price and DetailsGallery

Mercedes-Benz News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe