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.

Five people gather on a rooftop with a sleek green vehicle. Some lounge atop the Mercedes-Benz, while one stands beside it. The urban backdrop of concrete and brick adds to the scene's edgy vibe, reminiscent of a stylish Moncler photoshoot.

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 04, 2025

Mercedes-Benz x NIGO x Moncler Launch New Collaborative C...

Avant-garde fashion and automotive luxury combine. Mercedes-Benz has a long and storied history of making some of the world’s most cherished luxury automobiles, and while it has earned a reputation over decades, Mercedes-Benz remains on the cutting edge of automotive luxury, performance, design, and engineering. Collaborating with creative and cultural icons, Mercedes-Benz also remains at the epicenter of the art and fashion worlds, and it’s currently doing that through a collaboration with iconic fashion house Moncler and a visionary in the fashion world, NIGO. The three household names came together for a collaborative lifestyle collection, as well as for an ambitious one-off vehicle and a special edition of the G-Class, one of the most legendary models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, inspired by the one-off rolling art piece. While the collection was shown recently, it has now become available and officially launched in New York City, with pieces available for purchase online at Moncler or at Moncler stores across the globe.’ The collection combines inspirations from Moncler’s apres-ski wear heritage, hip-hop music, vintage Americana, and NIGO’s own iconic aesthetic. In addition to the collection launching, customers of the 20 special edition Mercedes-Benz G-Class examples inspired by the one-off Mercedes-Benz Project G-Class Past II Future created by NIGO will begin to take delivery of their ultra-exclusive vehicles that combine high fashion with off-road prowess and celebrated automotive luxury. With a combination of excellence in the fashion and automotive worlds, Mercedes-Benz’s collaboration with NIGO and Moncler is coming to life. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

New sacai x Mercedes AMG capsule collection / 2023

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 15, 2023

How To Buy: The All-New Mercedes-AMG x sacai Collection

AMG and sacai launch a capsule collection, fusing luxury auto and fashion, inspired by the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG Mercedes-AMG and sacai have unveiled an exclusive capsule collection that masterfully blends the wolds of high-performance sports cars and luxury streetwear fashion. This collaboration marks the first time the Japanese fashion label sacai has partnered with a renowned automobile brand, offering a range of ready-to-wear staples and accessories. The collection is available for a limited time at AMG Speed City in Las Vegas and online exclusively on Nordstrom.com. Drawing inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, famously known as the Red Pig, the collection reflects the car's remarkable story of triumph against the odds. In 1971, this Mercedes-Benz S-Class defied expectations at the 24 Hours of Spa, finishing second despite being an underdog. The collaboration's essence is a seamless blend of AMG's dynamism and sacai's unique fashion interpretation. The collection features dynamic badges across various items like tops, t-shirts, tote bags, and a jumpsuit, reimagining the Red Pig's motifs through sacai’s distinctive design lens. Each piece is crafted with intention and meaning, resonating with both brands' commitment to innovation, disruption, and uniqueness. The collection is complemented by a bespoke wrap for the all-new Mercedes-AMG GT, designed by sacai. This creative reimagination of the Red Pig's design is displayed at AMG Speed City, showcasing a mirrored-chrome skin with embossed original badges and shapes on the GT's surface. Shop the all-new Mercedes-AMG x sacai capsule collection by clicking the links below. Shop The Mercedes-AMG x sacai Collection AMG Flocked Logo Cotton Hoodie Shop Now AMG Patch Cotton Blend Sweatshirt Shop Now AMG Embroidered Logo Baseball Capem Shop Now AMG Patch Nylon Bomber Jacket Shop Now AMG Patch Cotton T-Shirt Shop Now AMG Patch Wool & Leather Varsity Jacket Shop Now AMG Flocked Logo Cotton Graphic T-Shirt Shop Now AMG Logo Embroidered Wool & Leather Varsity Jacket Shop Now AMG Logo Embroidered Camp Shirt Shop Now AMG Logo Phone Pouch Shop Now AMG Bag Charm Shop Now AMG Bag Charm Shop Now AMG Embroidered Logo Bucket Hat Shop Now AMG Small Patch Canvas Tote Shop Now

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By Jordan Aquistapace – February 09, 2023

Mercedes-Benz x Moncler Tease A Special G-Wagon Art Piece...

Mercedes‑Benz and Moncler open new horizons with their debut collaboration For over three decades, Mercedes-Benz has continued to establish dominance in the global fashion industry along with a legacy of automotive manufacturing. The brand has worked with fashion icons like Virgil Abloh and Act TM to diversify its portfolio of high-end clothing collections. Mercedes-Benz is proud to take on the runway with its new Moncler partnership, using inspiration from the French designer to develop its most recent project. MUST-READ: Auction Of Incredibly Rare Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss Ends Soon Utilizing Moncler’s famous outerwear style, Mercedes-Benz Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener will be revealing a unique art piece as a partner at Moncler’s “Art of Genius” live show. Although specifics have yet to be announced, a teaser photo showcases the silhouette of a Mercedes-AMG G63 with custom layers of Moncler’s puffy material. Mercedes-Benz x Moncler will be unveiling its new collaboration piece on Monday, 20 February at 6 pm EST via live stream on Moncler.com. View all current Mercedes-AMG G63 for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Mercedes-AMG G63 For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 30, 2022

Mercedes-Benz x SK Gaming Launch A New Limited-Edition Ca...

The exclusive collection was created by British Fashion Designer and Choreographer Saul Nash. Embodying leadership built upon performance, modern technology, and passion, Mercedes-Benz continues to evolve itself into a luxury lifestyle brand with collaborations that introduce new industries. Mercedes-Benz is proud to announce its newest release with SK Gaming and fashion designer Saul Nash, featuring an upcoming capsule collection that commemorates the 25th anniversary as a partner of the Esport team. The limited capsule collection consists of a jacket and a long‑sleeved T-shirt that combines the functional demands of everyday sportswear with fashionable style. MUST-READ: Shop The New Pagani Huayra BC Roadster Capsule Collection By BAPE, Available Now Bridging the gap between the automotive industry and the virtual gaming world is Mercedes-Benz's EQE, an EV sedan that achieves maximum efficiency and performance through an innovative electric powertrain. Being that Saul also shares a passion for movement directing and choreography, the Mercedes-Benz x SK Gaming Capsule Collection includes a creative campaign with a sporty performance of dancers and members of the Esport team. The all-new Mercedes-Benz x SK Gaming Capsule Collection by Saul Nash is currently available for preorder on SK Gaming’s website. View all current Mercedes-Benz models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 05, 2022

New Virgil Abloh X Mercedes-Maybach S 680 Is Available To...

Project MAYBACH makes the case very clear that there was nothing the late Virgil Abloh couldn’t do. The Mercedes-Maybach Project MAYBACH electric show car, developed in collaboration between Mercedes-Maybach and the late Virgil Abloh, was a stunning example of the prolific Abloh’s boundless creativity, talent, and avant-garde artistic vision. Finished in a two-tone scheme of gold paired with Obsidian Black, the car is boldly futuristic, opulent, and fashion-forward, as Virgil Abloh was in everything he did. MUST READ: What's in Cristiano Ronaldo's Car Collection? FIND OUT Abloh and Mercedes-Maybach’s collaboration is completed with the new limited-edition Maybach by Virgil Abloh Mercedes-Maybach S-Class S 680, an equally opulent and beautiful car that takes after its predecessor. The car features an identical color scheme on the interior, crafted in Nappa leather, and customers receive a sand-colored Nappa leather box with a 1/18 scale replica of the car inside, along with the keys and a carabiner hook. The car is available to purchase on Off-White, Farfetch, and Maybach Icons of Luxury online stores, along with a collaborative capsule collection between Mercedes-Maybach and Off-White, and being limited to 150 units worldwide, this bold statement of a car is bound to go quick. Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 09, 2021

Mercedes-Benz x Proenza Schouler Release Its New Capsule ...

Mercedes-Benz hops off the track and on the fashion runway with Proenza Schouler. Mercedes-Benz is known as a leader in the automotive industry, featuring a fleet of luxury and performance-focused vehicles that cater to any owner's lifestyle. Alongside its dedication to crushing lap times on circuits around the world, the German automotive manufacturer highlights its fashionable side on the runway. As part of its most recent collaboration project, Mercedes-Benz is proud to announce the release of its new apparel and accessories collection with the fashion experts at Proenza Schouler. The all-new capsule collection draws inspiration from traveling on the open road while incorporating an extra sense of luxury with help from the creative design team at Mercedes-Benz. MUST-READ: The Best Mercedes’ You Can Buy Today The collection includes outerwear, tops, blankets, baggage, and small leather accessories that feature unique styles and color combinations. The products in this collection are crafted from high-quality, sustainable materials, such as recycled eco cashmere and up-cycled leather, and made using responsible manufacturing practices involving natural dying and tanning methods. The all-new Mercedes-Benz x Proenza Schouler Capsule Collection is now available through the retailer’s website starting at $350. View all current Mercedes-Benz models for sale on DuPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Proenza Schouler

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 09, 2020

Mercedes-Benz x Virgil Abloh Project Geländewagen 1:3 Sca...

Project Geländewagen, the most recent collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Virgil Abloh was unveiled, and Sotheby’s has a unique example of the G63 for auction. The 1 of 1 Mercedes-Benz presented in a 1:3 scale maquette with all the detailed features highlighted in the vehicle’s unveiling. The model is made from quality materials such as synthetic resin, laminate, carbon fiber, glass fiber, wood, metal, and textile to portray Virgil’s unique design. A platform inscribed with both Project Geländewagen and Virgil Abloh will be included as well. The model is currently available to bid on through Sotheby’s website with an estimated $60,000 - $80,000 purchase price by the auction company. The live auction will begin at the beginning of October. The proceeds of the sale will go directly towards charity. For more information on the Project Geländewagen 1:3 scale model through Sotheby’s, click the link below. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – December 12, 2019

2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Price & Specs

Mercedes-AMG G63 Price When it comes to the ultimate overland experience, nothing beats a new Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG For Sale. It is a comfortable position to be in, as they launched the Super SUV war among all manufacturers. As abilities have increased, the Mercedes-AMG G63 price has remained at $147,500. A genuine bargain compared to lesser-equipped competitors, let's discover what makes the Mercedes-AMG G63 such a force to be reckoned with. Mercedes-AMG G63 Review As one of the last body-on-frame SUVs, nothing else from Germany rides as solid and smooth. A proper Mercedes-AMG G63 review should note this is the first G63 with independent front suspension. Not only is steering more predictable, the new 4.0-liter V8 also makes the front end much lighter than predecessors. Heading off-road, you will have three locking differentials along for the ride. A 2-speed transfer case sends power to all wheels, all the time. Given the Mercedes-AMG horsepower and torque, you will also have fun taking others by surprise. The only quirk is that the window glass is nearly vertical. This makes glare at night transform the interior into a disco hall. Mercedes-AMG G63 Specs In order to maintain the title of the World's Best SUV, the Mercedes-AMG G63 specs are unparalleled. Because it is not a unibody, every G-Class is built on its own assembly line in Austria. Thanks to twin-turbo power, the Mercedes-AMG G63 top speed is 149 mph. Because of permanent All-Wheel-Drive, the Mercedes-AMG 0-60 is 4.5 seconds on dry pavement. When pushed to the limit, it will reward you with a 1/4 mile in 12.5 seconds. Specs: Price: 147,500 Engine: 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Transmission: 9-speed Automatic Horsepower: 577 hp Torque: 627 lb-ft 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds Top Speed: 149 mph Mercedes-AMG G63 Engine Oldtimers will demand the biggest engine available, but the Mercedes-AMG engine makes big power from only 4.0 liters. Starting with reverse-flow heads, the exhaust pulses feed upward into the V. They have a direct shot at two turbochargers. The "Hot V" allows them to spool instantly, and their variable geometry allows it to offer 577 horsepower and only 627 lb-ft of torque. Power of this magnitude will have you at 60 mph under 5 seconds. Or tow heavy toys in style. The downside G63 mpg. Rated at 11 mpg city and 13 mpg on the highway, it requires 93 octane to be happy. Mercedes-AMG G63 Transmission Dual-clutch gearboxes are great in lightweight cars. But when the mud gets deep, nothing beats a torque converter. That's why the Mercedes-AMG G63 transmission combines the latest in torque converter technology with 9 closely spaced gears. Releasing the converter clutch keeps the turbos spooled, and the transfer case's low range multiplies torque sent to the ground. Mercedes-AMG G63 Interior Open the door and powered running boards reveal your leather chariot. Every Mercedes-AMG G63 interior can be optioned with heated massaging seats with ventilation for the summer. Nappa leather by designo is offered in any color you desire, and the controls are laid out in a symmetrical manner. Mercedes-AMG G63 Brakes There is only one better at being an amazing off-road machine is stopping in a hurry. Big power demands big brakes, so the Mercedes-AMG brakes measure 14.8" front and 13" rear. Six-piston monoblock calipers grip the front, while the rears are sliding single-piston. Red is the standard color, with silver being optional at no extra cost. Because they are steel, the cost of maintenance will be much less than carbon-ceramics. Wheels x Wardrobe: AMG G63 Style Mercedes-AMG G63 Standout Features Aside from being the most powerful SUV in production, the Mercedes-AMG G63 has a host of standout features. It has enough ground clearance to handle 22" wheels with ease. They better be forged, because rock crawling is easy. If you don't plan on off-roading, we recommend a summer tire for grip on the asphalt. But since you can lock all three differentials, a good mud-terrain will keep you moving. When crossing lakes or creeks, a "wading sensor" closes the cooling vents ahead of the intercoolers. It also closes the thermostat to keep heat in the block. If you need more power, our friends at BRABUS can get you over 900, at the expense of fuel economy. " width="680"> Related: Hitting Top Speed in a G63 New 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Gets Massive Makeover Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: A Look Back

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