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

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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 Khris Bharath – February 23, 2026

From Vintage Icons to Modern Hypercars, Mercedes-Benz Set to Showcase Diverse Lineup at ModaMiami 2026

February 2026 has already put up a spectacular showing across Florida, with Cars on 5th, Miami Concours, and Palm Beach Cavallino, but the action is far from over as Moda Miami is just around the corner. Since its debut in 2024, the event has grown into a serious fixture on the American concours calendar. Last year, we saw a spectacular lineup of automobiles across a range of events, from high-end auctions to heritage drives and more. With less than a week to go for this year’s event, Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to present a rolling timeline that stretches from the first gasoline-powered car to a Formula 1-derived hypercar. Between 27 February and 1 March 2026, ModaMiami returns to the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, a property that opened in 1926 and which serves as the backdrop for a 140-year timeline of the automobile. Thursday will open at the Concours Club circuit, with the action moving to the road on Friday with Moda Classic. The weekend will settle onto the ModaMiami showfield, where 140 years of engineering will be showcased. The Moda Awards will be presented to outstanding participating vehicles by the organizers on Sunday. At the center of that story sits the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, the three-wheeled vehicle Carl Benz patented on 29 January 1886. That patent is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Memory of the World Register. This won’t be a static display but one that will carry passengers around the showgrounds and lead the Friday Moda Classic drive. Mercedes-Benz Classic Vehicle Trade is offering fully drivable replicas of the Patent Motorwagen, complete with wear and spare parts support. It is a rare chance to operate what is effectively the birth the automobile. <- Gallery -> The historical context continues with a 1905 “American Mercedes,” built under license in Long Island and mechanically identical to the Mercedes Simplex 40/45 PS. After its appearance in Florida, specialists at the Classic Center in Long Beach will prepare it for the 16 August 2026 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it will compete in the Early American Speedsters class. (Pre-WWI) Mid-century icons, including a 1936 Mercedes-Benz 290 Cabriolet and a freshly overhauled Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, will share the lawn, alongside a 1961 300d that once defined diplomatic transport. Rally heritage will appear in the form of a 300 SE “Rallye” inspired by Ewy Rosqvist’s 1964 Argentine Touring Car Grand Prix entry. Fast forward a few decades, and expect to find a 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II, one of 502 homologation cars built for DTM, and a 2008 CLK 63 AMG Black Series scheduled for Sunday’s 100 Club drive. Wrapping up the lineup will be a Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar. Limited to just 275 examples, it brings Formula 1-derived technology to the street. Pairing a 1.6-liter V6 hybrid and four electric motors for a combined 1,063 horsepower. Mercedes-Benz will also spotlight its MANUFAKTUR individualization program at ModaMiami, which allows extensive customization across the brand’s lineup. The featured vehicle is a 2026 Mercedes-AMG G 63 MANUFAKTUR finished in Sea Blue Metallic with a MANUFAKTUR Black interior accented by blue contrast stitching. This focus on personalization reflects a long heritage at Mercedes-Benz, from Sindelfingen custom coachwork in the 1930s to the designo program launched in 1995 and MANUFAKTUR introduced in 2021. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Images: Mercedes-Benz

A silver Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR race car is being lifted by orange straps and a crane over a grassy hill, near a driveway with trees and parked vehicles in the background, possibly for FuoriConcorso 2025.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 27, 2025

Mercedes-Benz Cranes Rare CLK GTR Stars At Lake Como For...

Mercedes brought out its best. Since its start in 2019, FuoriConcorso has become a go-to for car lovers looking for something a little different. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Como, the event welcomes classic design with modern flair, all within the hillside gardens of Villa del Grumello and Villa Sucota. For 2025, Mercedes-Benz Classic decided to make a show-stopping appearance by using a crane to lower three of its most legendary race cars into the venue. It was a scene straight out of a movie, with the priceless collector cars hovering over the trees before being placed neatly on the lawn. The stars of the show were the CLK GTR racing car from 1997, the ultra-rare CLK GTR Coupé, and the Group C C 11 race car from 1990. All three have serious motorsport history, especially in Italy. The C 11 debuted with a 1-2 finish at Monza, and the CLK GTR grabbed a podium finish at Mugello during the 1997 FIA GT season. Both cars went on to win their respective championships, making them more than just multi-million dollar museum pieces. Seeing a CLK GTR Coupé up close is something truly special. Only 20 were ever made for the road, and the one on display at the event came from The Loh Collection. With over 600 horsepower and an unmistakable design, it still holds up as one of the wildest street cars Mercedes has ever built. It's almost surreal to see it parked in the middle of an Italian garden, looking like it was ready to race down the lakeside roads at any moment. On top of all that, the weekend also featured talks with big names in motorsport at Villa Sucota, including Mercedes-Benz Heritage CEO Marcus Breitschwerdt. Between the conversations, the cars, and the unbeatable Lake Como setting, FuoriConcorso 2025 delivered the kind of automotive experience you don't forget anytime soon. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Mercedes-benz

ModaMiami: “Silver Stars from Stuttgart” shine on the East C

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 05, 2025

Mercedes-Benz Brings Its Legendary "Silver Stars from Stu...

Mercedes made ModaMiami memorable with a stunning lineup. Taking South Florida by storm as one of the top events for classic cars, ModaMiami welcomed some of the most exclusive automotive examples to the picturesque golf course of the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Along with showcasing everything from a group of Bugatti Veyrons to an exhibit of Queen Elizabeth II's personal Land Rover collection, the fuel-driven weekend included other events throughout Miami with manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz. At the event, Mercedes-Benz made a big impression with some of its most legendary cars. The spotlight was on the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, a car that helped define motorsport history, along with the SLR McLaren "Stirling Moss", a modern tribute to the brand's racing success. These icons led the Moda Classic drive and turned heads at the Concours d'Elegance, where a mix of vintage pre-war models, racing legends, and modern-day hypercars took center stage. This year also marked the 70th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz's 1955 racing season, when the brand won both the Formula 1 World Championship and the Sports Car World Championship. To celebrate, the 300 SLR and SLR McLaren "Stirling Moss" hit the track at The Concours Club, giving spectators a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see them all on track at once. The event also coincided with a record-breaking auction, where the Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Silver Arrow sold for €51.155 million, making it the most expensive Grand Prix car ever sold. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR "Uhlenhaut Coupé" still holds the top spot as the world's most valuable car at €135 million. Mercedes-Benz's MANUFAKTUR program showed off a Mercedes-AMG G 63 in Hyper Blue Magno and an AMG GT 63 with a Tartufo Brown/Black Nappa Leather interior. Paired with rare models like the Maybach S 650 Cabriolet and the SL 500 Silver Arrow Edition, the display incorporated racing history with modern luxury. View all Mercedes-Benz models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes Benz bei der Pebble Beach Automotive Week 2024 // Mercedes Benz at the Pebble Beach Automotive Week 2024

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 08, 2024

Mercedes-Benz Set To Stun Pebble Beach With Three World P...

Mercedes-Benz celebrates 130 years of motorsport with three world premieres and historic vehicles at Pebble Beach Automotive Week 2024. At Monterey Car Week 2024, Mercedes-Benz is set to make waves with three world premieres that highlight the brand's historic involvement in the automotive industry. The Mercedes-Maybach SL is leading the charge as the newest addition to the Maybach lineup, combining a sport-focused design with exceptional luxury. Alongside it, the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 Edition Nordic Glow will make its debut, with its limited production of just 50 units for the U.S. market. Mercedes-AMG Motorsport will also unveil a special edition of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 race car, designed to celebrate 130 years of motorsport excellence with only 13 units available. Mercedes-Benz is also paying homage to its rich history at Pebble Beach. The iconic C 111-II, fitted with its original Wankel engine, returns to the spotlight after an extensive restoration by the experts at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. The experimental supercar, originally introduced in 1970, shocked the automotive world with its futuristic design and groundbreaking performance, reaching speeds up to 186 mph. The C 111-II will join the prestigious Tour d'Elegance, leading a parade of historic vehicles, including the legendary Mercedes Targa Florio race car. In addition to these highlights, Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 130 years of motorsport history, bringing back the W 196 R Grand Prix car from 1955. This year's Pebble Beach event promises to celebrate both the past and the future of Mercedes-Benz with these world premieres and historic tributes. View all Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz USA

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 29, 2023

The New AMG Experience On Ice Delivers Winter Driving Thr...

The new program features advanced training and G-Class adventures in Sweden. Mercedes-AMG, the renowned high-performance subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, has announced an exhilarating new driving experience for enthusiasts: the AMG Experience on Ice. Scheduled to commence from early 2024, this program promises a blend of high-octane driving training and unforgettable brand experiences, tailored for all skill levels. Set against the stunning backdrop of a frozen lake near the Arctic Circle in Sweden, this initiative marks a bold new chapter in Mercedes-AMG's commitment to providing unparalleled driving experiences. Participants in the AMG Experience on Ice will have the opportunity to hone their driving skills on Lake Galtisjaure near Arjeplog. Here, handling courses are meticulously prepared on an ice sheet more than 24 inches thick, offering a perfect setting to master vehicle control in icy conditions. The program's crown jewel is a track mirroring the iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife, allowing drivers to experience the thrill of this legendary circuit in a unique winter setting. At the heart of this experience are the current Mercedes-AMG models, known for their dynamic performance and advanced technology. Under professional guidance, participants will learn to safely control these powerful vehicles, gaining insights into their sophisticated mechanics. The program is both about mastering challenging driving conditions and reveling in the joy of driving on snow and ice in the scenic wilds of Swedish Lapland. The AMG Experience on Ice is designed to cater to various skill levels, from beginners to advanced drivers and seasoned experts. The program includes a range of courses, from 3-day events to much longer and more detailed experiences. A unique addition to the 2024 program is the G-CLASS WINTER EXPEDITION. This four-day adventure allows participants to explore Sweden's picturesque landscapes in the iconic Mercedes G-Class. The expedition promises a blend of thrilling driving exercises, luxury accommodation, and unique experiences like an overnight stay in the ICEHOTEL and a snowmobile tour. All events are complemented by first-class amenities, including stays in exclusive 4-star hotels, professional photography services to capture memorable moments, and a variety of culinary delights. This comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of the experience is as exceptional as the driving itself. The Mercedes-AMG Experience on Ice is an invitation to immerse in the world of Mercedes-AMG and discover the exhilaration of driving in one of the most captivating environments on earth. With its combination of professional training, luxury accommodations, and unforgettable experiences, this program is set to be a highlight for driving enthusiasts worldwide. View All Mercedes-Benzes For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 21, 2022

BRABUS Reveals The Original Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Gullwin...

The automotive and art icon makes its appearance at The Mercedes-Benz Museum. Artistic influence made its presence within the luxury automotive industry back when world-renowned artists were in the midst of their monumental careers. Mercedes-Benz took this approach in 1986 when the brand commissioned American artist Andy Warhol to paint the ‘Cars’ series using 20 of its most iconic models. The special project consists of 80 vibrant pictures that document Daimler Motorized Carriage and Benz Patent Motor Cars’ history of the automobile from 1886 to 1986. With the Andy Warhol ‘Cars’ series on exhibition in the Atrium of the Mercedes-Benz Museum, the aftermarket specialists at BRABUS are proud to showcase the specific Mercedes-Benz 300SL ‘Gullwing’ used as inspiration for Warhol. Although the vehicle was never seen in person by Andy Warhol, a photo of the 300 SL with the same number plate ended up in a sports car book while he was painting the collection. MUST-READ: The GearBox: BRABUS Meets Porsche The famous 300SL ‘Gullwing’ holds the registration number ‘EI-DR 1’ and is one of only 1,400 chassis to come from the Sindelfingen plant of Mercedes-Benz. Concluding a thorough investigation, BRABUS acquired the vehicle in 2020 after being privately owned for 39 years. The silver-grey over blue leather 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ configuration underwent a BRABUS Classic 6-Star, investing more than 4,500 hours of labor rebuilding the historic example from the ground up. While the Mercedes-Benz Art hosts ‘Cars’ by Andy Warhol at the museum from June 21-26, the special Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing will be on-scene for all to enjoy. The vehicle is provided by BRABUS GmbH, Bottrop, and comes with the proof that this is the sports car that served Warhol as a “model” for the “Cars” series. View all of the current Mercedes-Benz 300SL examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle news from Mercedes-Benz. VIEW ALL MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL FOR SALE Source: BRABUS

By Andrew Nabors – August 13, 2020

Mercedes-Benz and Wee Man Celebrate the Sprinter Van in "...

Van Life is about being free. No property taxes, nomadic traveling, and camaraderie at events. Now that the new Sprinter factory is running around the clock in Charleston, everyone should have an opportunity to experience them. With an ever-expanding lineup of configurations, Mercedes-Benz and Wee Man have organized a Sprinter "Concours de Zoom". Luxury Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Prices & Options This virtual car show will take place on Zoom today starting at 5 PM Eastern (2 PM Pacific). Celebrities will also include Mike Golic Jr., Thaddeus Young, James Kirkham, Sharky Laguna, Wee Man, Barry Nobles, Henry of Keeping Finn, Dan and Marlene of Mali Mish, and Kristen Bor of Bearfoot Theory. Click here to join the show, and click the button below to find your new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van. Browse Mercedes-Benz Sprinter For Sale

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