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 Tyler Rampersaud – December 28, 2023

Rare Green-On-Tan 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster...

A unique color elevates this modern classic. Despite being a recent memory in automotive history, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is already a legend. It represents an excellent combination of power, performance, engineering, design, and luxury that has cemented its status as not only one of the greatest creations from Mercedes-Benz, but also one of the most loved supercars of all time. It was born out of the racing partnership between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren, and bringing it to the road created something truly special. Mercedes-Benz provided the 617-horsepower 5.5-liter supercharged V8 engine, and the historic legacy of the Silver Arrow SLR race cars, while McLaren provided its lightweight performance-oriented engineering expertise. Of course, one of the most important pieces of the puzzle was the design talent of the legendary Gordon Murray. The result was a beautiful, high-performance, luxurious supercar that to this day remains admired and influences the standards of today’s performance machines. The Roadster variant, introduced in 2007, added an open top to the mix. This specific example of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster for sale is not only a beautiful example of the supercar masterpiece but also a unique one that is both head turning and classically-inspired with its unique color. That color is designo Crystal Fayalit Green, and while it’s unique, it’s paired with tan leather, creating the classic green and tan color combination that is a tried and true staple in classic sports cars. In addition, the car boasts only 930 miles on its odometer, making it a time capsule of modern automotive history. Available for sale at Canepa in Scotts Valley, California, this stunning supercar is a chance to own a beautiful, unique modern classic. View the listing by clicking below. View Listing Image Source: Canepa

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 28, 2023

5 Reasons Why You Should Buy A Mercedes-Benz EQS

One of the automotive world’s oldest names presents the cutting edge of EV luxury. The Mercedes-Benz EQS opens a new chapter for the historic brand. With roots tracing back to the very first production automobile, Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing tradition of excellent German engineering and automotive luxury, but with its new EQ electric models, it’s showing the ability to combine its time-honored traditions with futuristic technologies and electric drivetrains. Currently, the EQS is the flagship electric model from Mercedes-Benz, showing off the pinnacle of luxury, electric power, and technology that Mercedes-Benz has to offer. A Mercedes-Benz EQS for sale is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, an excellent car. What Mercedes-Benz offers with it’s flagship all-electric model is versatility, luxury, efficiency, and futuristic design all in one. Here are five reasons why a Mercedes-Benz EQS is a great choice if you’re looking for an electric vehicle to add to your garage. 1. Two Body Styles If you want a high level of practicality in your luxury EV, the Mercedes-Benz EQS has you covered, as it has two body styles to choose from: a sedan, and an SUV. Whether you want extra cargo space and SUV versatility, or the elegance of a luxury sedan silhouette, the EQS gives you options, a boon in the relatively recent market of electric luxury vehicles. 2. Luxury Mercedes-Benz is known for making some of the world’s most celebrated luxury cars, and the EQS, despite being all electric unlike most other Mercedes-Benz models, is no exception. The EQS features the luxury features of Mercedes-Benz’s best offerings, like special paint finishes, available upholstery in Nappa leather, and more. In addition, Mercedes-Benz recently announced that the EQS SUV will be available as a Mercedes-Maybach model, which will be the first all-electric Maybach vehicle. 3. Technology Besides its electric drivetrain with up to 350 miles of range, the EQS offers a host of available high-tech features. One of the most prominent is the MBUX Hyperscreen. It turns the dashboard into an immense interactive screen, which uses “Zero Layer” technology to put relevant functions in front of the driver at all times for easy use compared to other complicated touchscreen systems. In addition, the navigation system is able to plan routes while accounting for battery life and charging needs, making the planning of journeys in the EQS virtually effortless. 4. Easy Charging One of the biggest question marks when it comes to owning an electric vehicle is having access to charging. However, things are getting much easier across the board as Mercedes-Benz announces its participation in the North American Charging Standard, which will give electric cars like the Mercedes-Benz EQS access to Tesla Superchargers across the country, and Mercedes-Benz has also announced the creation of its own charging hubs for an easy and convenient charging experience. 5. AMG Performance Electric vehicles might boast reduced emissions compared to combustion-powered counterparts, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be hot-blooded, but rather the opposite. Manufacturers around the world are introducing high-performance electric vehicles, and Mercedes-AMG arm is in on the movement, as it has introduced an AMG EQS model, which delivers hair-raising electric performance. With 649 horsepower and 700 lb/ft of torque, it can rocket from 0-60 in just 3.4 seconds. View All Mercedes-Benz EQSs For Sale View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing

mercedes benz sls amg black series for sale in solarbeam yellow.jpg

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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series In Solarbeam Yellow Fo...

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1-of-5 Mars Red Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series For Sale

Mercedes’ gutsiest modern gullwing is up for sale.

2007 Mercedes Benz G500 479900 494031252

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 16, 2022

This Mercedes-Benz G 500 Cabriolet For Sale Is Ultra-Rare...

No roof? No road? No problem. As a vehicle equipped for both adventuring and luxury, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV is virtually unparalleled. For decades, the vehicle has been a staple of the brand and in all those years the formula has remained much the same, and it has been a winning formula for all that time, with celebrities and luxury car lovers fawning over the 4x4 even more as the years go by. One of the most interesting and less common versions of the G-Class SUV is the Cabriolet version. Now discontinued and never made for the United States market, the G-Class Cabriolet is a rare and sought-after automotive gem because of the way it combines luxury, power, off-road capability, and simple fun. MUST READ: This Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series Tuned By Renntech For Sale Is A Unique German Performance Beast This stunning 2007 example features sleek black paintwork, as well as a black soft top for a beautifully uninterrupted look when the roof is up. On the inside, you’ll see an interior with proper Mercedes-Benz luxury and quality, with dark wood trim and black leather throughout. The vehicle is a stunning combination of luxury, style, and rugged capability, and especially when you’re driving off-road, behind the wheel, you’ll be in a luxury oasis. Under the hood, you’ll find a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 292 horsepower and 336 lb/ft of torque, making for plenty of muscle to get the large vehicle moving. This beautifully pristine, unique, and incredibly rare Mercedes-Benz G 500 Cabriolet for sale at Grand Prix Motors in Portland, Oregon is one of the greatest examples of the legendary G-Class SUV and has the potential to be the halo piece of any luxury or off-road enthusiast’s car collection. If you want this car in your garage, check out the price and listing by clicking below. View Price And Listing

2009 Mercedes Benz SL Class 489900 17801275

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 15, 2022

This Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series Tuned By Rennte...

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2015 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG 429995 218432587 2

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 27, 2022

Check The Spec: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition in...

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By Jordan Aquistapace – March 18, 2022

Check The Spec: F1-Inspired 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Bla...

Feel apart of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team with this AMG GT Black Series. The AMG GT Black Series stands out as the pinnacle supercar for Mercedes-Benz, embodying design and performance aspects from the generations that came before it. As the track-inspired beast that holds the glory of being a legal road production model, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series focuses on delivering a one-of-a-kind Formula 1-inspired feel to the community of dedicated owners, collectors, and enthusiasts. The supercar specialists at HGreg Lux are proud to present this incredible 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series as part of their ever-growing inventory of exclusive exotic vehicles in Pompano Beach, Florida. The exterior features a motorsport livery that mimics the championship-winning Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team race car design. The iconic colors of black, silver, and pearl Petronas green shift through the elongated body of the German supercar, which showcases a transitioning star pattern that fades off from back to front. The lightweight matte black 19/20-inch multi-spoke sport wheels also incorporate a touch of green with a pinstripe that runs around the outside of each wheel face. MUST-READ: Check The Spec: Tailor Made Inspirazioni Ferrari SF90 Stradale The interior design focuses on providing a driver-oriented feel through a sleek black leather and Alcantara layout that perfectly complements the gloss black trim accents. Adding to its track-ready design, the interior configuration features a set of sport-style carbon bucket seats with green racing stripes that travel down the center inserts. The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series delivers over 730-horsepower from its hand-built AMG 4.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V8, achieving an incredible top speed of 202mph. Managed by a responsive 7-Speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the new AMG GT Black Series launches from 0-60mph in just 3.2-seconds. This 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series from HGreg Lux is currently available on duPont REGISTRY for $848,900. Click on the link below to view the vehicle listing for more information. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming Check The Spec specials. Sell My Mercedes Black Series: Get a Cash Offer View Vehicle Listing

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