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 – February 09, 2023

The New Mercedes-Maybach S 580 e Is The First Plug-In Hyb...

A historic name in luxury dives headfirst into the future. Since its inception, Maybach has aimed to represent the pinnacle of automotive luxury. Its Mercedes-Maybach models show off an automotive luxury that is nothing short of sumptuous, with exquisite design, endless amenities, and engineering focused on maximizing comfort and convenience. The current Mercedes-Maybach S-Class model does an amazing job at exemplifying this, and with the new Mercedes-Maybach S 580 e, Mercedes-Benz adds plug-in hybrid technology to the mix. MUST READ: Mercedes-Benz x Moncler Tease A Special G-Wagon Art Piece For Its First-Ever Collaboration The new powertrain is comprised of an inline six-cylinder engine and an electric motor, coming together to produce a total of 510 horsepower and 553 lb/ft of torque. While quiet, emissions-free driving is available with an all-electric driving mode, the luxury sedan is certainly no slouch. It’ll sprint from 0-60 in less than 5.1 seconds. With the use of an optional 60 kW DC fast charger, a full charge from an almost fully depleted battery can be achieved in just 30 minutes. The new model will initially be available in China, and will then spread to Thailand, Europe, and more countries later. With a new plug-in hybrid powertrain, the timeless luxury of Mercedes-Maybach drives into the future. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

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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 – February 03, 2023

Watch This Mercedes-AMG ONE Lap The Nürburgring GP From A...

Showcasing its talents as Mercedes latest and greatest hypercar marvel, the AMG ONE tackles a lap on the legendary track in great fashion. While the car community continues to drool over memorizing images of the long-anticipated Mercedes-AMG ONE, we've yet to see its capabilities with an eager owner behind the wheel. After seeing it break The Nürburgring road-legal production car lap record, there's no surprise to say that the $2 million+ Mercedes-AMG will transform any willing driver into a professional in no time. With one of the most incredible collections of exclusive supercars and hypercars, top German automotive influencer GERCollector already has a step on all of us as he experiences insane performance of this caliber on a daily basis. MUST-READ: Watch The New Mercedes-AMG ONE Hypercar Break The Nürburgring Road-Legal Production Car Lap Record In the GERCollector's newest upload to his YouTube channel, he takes the coveted Mercedes-AMG ONE out for an insanely quick lap on the starting portion of iconic Nürburgring GP race track. Channeling in the inner Forza Motorsports fan, the AMG ONE is fit with an Insta360 ONE RS camera to create the look of real life gameplay. The 1,000 horsepower uses its lightweight and nimble design to chase down a Magma Beam Orange Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. Watch the GERCollector rip up the Nürburgring GP track in his Mercedes-AMG ONE by clicking above. View all current Mercedes-Benz models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Shop The Insta360 ONE RS Source: GERCollector YouTube

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 01, 2023

Mercedes-Benz Reveals The New 2024 GLE 400 e Plug-In Hybrid

This luxury SUV staple is ready to enter the future. The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a favorite among the highly competitive camp of luxurious family haulers that combine style, comfort, performance, practicality, and a dash of off-road appeal. The model wins favor among many buyers today, and Mercedes-Benz has its sights set on it winning even more favor with the various improvements that the GLE has been given for the 2024 model year. These include revised design features, new powertrains, increased performance, and more. MUST READ: Mercedes-Benz’s New Autonomous Driving System Is Certified In Nevada A new plug-in hybrid variant of the GLE has been revealed, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 e, and it will allow for both efficient driving and potent performance, combining a 134-horsepower electric motor with its 248-horsepower engine to deliver 381 horsepower and 479 lb/ft of torque in total. Also improved are the headlight design, interior appointments, off-road drivability, and the intelligence and usability of the MBUX infotainment system. However, the high-performance AMG models are not left out. Mercedes-Benz has announced that the AMG variants of the GLE, the GLE 53 and GLE 63, have also been revised. Additions for the 2024 model year include increased performance, enhanced configuration options and more. This popular and competent luxury SUV is improved and ready for more success in the 2024 model year. View All Mercedes-Benz GLEs For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 27, 2023

Mercedes-Benz's New Autonomous Driving System Is Certifie...

Mercedes-Benz is ready to take the wheel. While many strides have been made toward the innovation of autonomous driving, the process isn’t straightforward. As it stands, there are a wide range of road conditions, with and without traffic, and simply too many situations for autonomous driving to be fully practical as it is today. However, Mercedes-Benz is now announcing that it has made an incredibly significant stride in the progress of autonomous driving by being the world’s first manufacturer to have a certified level 3 SAE system in the United States Market. MUST READ: Mercedes-Maybach Launches Its New Ultra-Luxury “Unexpected Moments” Fashion Collection Mercedes-Benz’s DRIVE PILOT autonomous driving system has achieved this certification in the state of Nevada, where the system is authorized for use on public freeways, and in situations with high traffic density at speeds of up to 40 mph. In addition, the system is able to read, comprehend, and act in accordance to traffic signs, and take evasive measures in unexpected events. DRIVE PILOT uses the existing safety sensors included in many Mercedes-Benz models and adds to them LiDAR, extra cameras, and road wetness sensors in the wheel wells. It also includes redundant operating mechanics so that the system will still safely operate if one component fails. Should the system detect that the driver is unable to operate the vehicle due to falling ill or something similar, the vehicle will stop itself and call for help. For the 2024 model year, DRIVE PILOT will be available in the EQS and S-Class sedan, and it’ll change driving, transportation, and mobility as a whole. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 17, 2023

The First Mercedes-AMG ONE Hypercar Is Delivered To Its L...

Showcasing a savage blend of science and spirit, the Mercedes-AMG ONE first made waves in the hypercar industry almost six years ago when announced as the Project One Concept. After some fine-tuning and a proper name change, the German performance manufacturer is proud to announce that the delivery stage for the Mercedes-AMG ONE is in full effect. The first chassis to leave the Coventry, UK facility is being celebrated on the brand’s Instagram page. The inaugural AMG ONE features a stealth-like black gloss finish with a fading silver star pattern that pays homage to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team. The hybrid hypercar also showcases its electrified side by adding Petronas Blue highlights throughout its exterior. MUST-READ: Watch The New Mercedes-AMG ONE Hypercar Break The Nürburgring Road-Legal Production Car Lap Record While the “ON1” German license plate hints at where the Mercedes-AMG ONE will reside for its lifetime, we can only speculate as ownership spans all across the world. Among many of the owners waiting to receive their examples, the exclusive list includes names like Lewis Hamilton Alicia Keys, Mark Wahlberg, Manny Khoshbin, and many more. Those who allocated the Mercedes-AMG ONE also had the opportunity to buy a special edition Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. Now that the first Mercedes-AMG ONE is headed to its new home, we are excited to see some of the upcoming specs and who they will be delivered to. 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-AMG

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 13, 2023

The New Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Motorsport Collectors Edition ...

Racing livery inspiration and AMG power make this a true collector’s dream. If you didn’t get a chance to get your hands on the elusive Mercedes-AMG ONE or its companion Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Project ONE Edition, of course, offered exclusively to soon-to-be owners of the unparalleled F1-derived hybrid hypercar, then this new stunning collector’s performance machine may just be the one to set your sights on. It’s the “Motorsport Collectors Edition” of the Mercedes-AMG SL 63, and unlike its counterparts, it offers the ever-exhilarating top-down driving experience. MUST READ: Mercedes-Benz Sold Over 350,000 Cars In The U.S. In 2022 What makes it similar to the AMG ONE and AMG GT Black Series Project ONE Edition is that it’s an homage to Mercedes-AMG’s Formula 1 team. Commemorating the end of the season, this incredibly special SL is decorated with a similar livery to the race car, with a color gradient from silver at the front to black at the back, with a Mercedes-Benz star pattern adorning the back. Just like the other cars that are decorated like this, the Motorsport Collectors Edition SL 63 features bright teal accents that indicate the involvement of PETRONAS. As for the car itself, it is equipped with a special aerodynamics package that helps reduce drag, improve downforce, and at the bottom line improve driving performance. The AMG Night package applied to the car adds a sleek and contemporary darkening to lots of the trim pieces on the car, and this blends perfectly with the black Nappa leather interior, which can be paired with red or yellow stitching. Limited to just 100 units worldwide, this stunning racing homage is just about as rare as its venerated counterparts, so while this is another chance to get your hands on an F1-inspired Mercedes-AMG collector’s masterpiece, that chance won’t last long. View All Mercedes-AMG SL 63s For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 12, 2023

Mercedes-Benz Sold Over 350,000 Cars In The U.S. In 2022

The year’s success is credited to expanding ultra-luxe and electric offerings. Known and celebrated around the world for its luxury cars, Mercedes-Benz is going through quite a crucial period of change, as not only a large lineup of EQ electric vehicles has entered the lineup of vehicles, but also, as Mercedes-Benz announced early last year, the focus has been gradually shifting from entry-level luxury to further emphasize Mercedes-Benz’s Top End offerings. As a result, Mercedes-Benz credits its 2022 success to this shift in focus. MUST READ: Mercedes-Benz Set To Launch A Global EV Charging Network, Starting In North America Top-end vehicles like the S-Class and Mercedes-Maybach offerings accounted for 29% of U.S. deliveries for Mercedes-Benz in 2022. Those deliveries totaled 350,949. This represents a 6.5% increase in deliveries compared to 2021, and the focus shift that Mercedes-Benz is starting is proving its value, as S-Class deliveries increased by 12%, Maybach deliveries increased by 8%, and the EQS Sedan had deliveries increased by an incredible 1,507% compared to 2021. In addition, the 9,974 AMG units delivered represent an increase of 54% compared to 2021. With more electric models coming and an increased focus on the most excellent automotive luxury, Mercedes-Benz goes into 2023 strong. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 05, 2023

Mercedes-Benz Set To Launch A Global EV Charging Network,...

Mercedes-Benz customers can pre-book a charging station from their car. With the EV takeover in full effect throughout the automotive industry, leading manufacturers are finding ways to electrify their lineup. Along with introducing new models to the market, brands are creating efficient solutions to recharge systems. Although Tesla and other third-party companies have monopolized on the idea of designing large-scale charging stations, the professionals at Mercedes-Benz are preparing to join that network of EV pioneers. Mercedes-Benz is proud to venture into the future with plans on launching its own global EV charging network to help its growing community of electric vehicle owners. MUST-READ: Mercedes-AMG G 63 4×4 Squared Price, Specs, Photos & Review Mercedes-Benz is kicking off the enormous expansion right here in North America, partnering with MN8 Energy and ChargePoint to open 400 hubs with access to 2,500 high-power chargers by 2027. The global reach goal establishes more than 10,000 high-power chargers worldwide across North America, Europe, China, and other markets. Mercedes-Benz customers can pre-book a charging station from their car, but the network will be open and accessible to all brands to encourage the rapid trend of electric vehicles. The Mercedes-Benz charging hubs will be located in key cities and urban population centers, close to major facilities, and convenient retail and service destinations, including participating Mercedes-Benz dealership sites. 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

delta4x4 Mercedes GClass Caterpillar Normal GClass

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 20, 2022

Delta 4x4 Will Convert Your Mercedes-AMG G63 Into An All-...

From tarmac to snow, the Mercedes-AMG G63 showcases its talents with help from Delta 4x4. As if the Mercedes-AMG G63 couldn’t become more adventurous and versatile, the German off-road specialists at Delta 4x4 pride themselves on taking things to the next level with aftermarket upgrades and accessories. Delta 4x4 is excited to showcase its most capable G-Wagon build, featuring a set of caterpillar tracks designed to gain maximum traction upon any surface imaginable. The inspiration behind the special project came courtesy of a client’s special order request, suggesting a snow-driven system that would get be able to transport him nearly 2 miles above altitude to his mountain cabin in the Swiss Alps. MUST-READ: The Best Mercedes-Benz G-Class You Can Buy Today Starting with a subtle 8-inch lift, Delta 4x4 makes more room beneath the fenders to fit the enormous caterpillar tracks. The tracks mount easily to Mercedes-AMG’s axles and work in unison with the performance SUV’s sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. When tested in the harsh snowy terrain of the South German region, the winterized Mercedes-AMG G36 performs just as well as it would on a smooth tarmac. For those looking to enhance their Mercedes-AMG G-Wagon with a lift, caterpillar tracks, and testing, the upgrade will set you back around $74,000. For an additional $22,000, clients will also receive the LED roof rack, front brush bar, and a set of bigger wheels for summer fun. View all current Mercedes-AMG G36 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Mercedes-AMG G63 For Sale Source: Delta 4x4

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