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 15, 2022

Mercedes-Benz Brings The New VISION AVTR Concept To Holly...

This anticipated film premiere features a three-pointed star. The Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR Concept was created in collaboration with the highly anticipated “Avatar: The Way Of Water” film, the sequel to the 2009 Avatar film, one of the most popular and celebrated movies of all time. The sci-fi story explores the alien world of Pandora, where the giant, blue, Na’vi people strive to preserve their long-standing way of life in the face of a human presence. With the themes of environmentalism and respect for nature, the new Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR concept car is inspired by the movie and by a unique vision of the future, where the car is one with its driver and passengers, as well as with the world around it. MUST READ: Mercedes-Benz x Avatar: The Way of Water Create The New VISION AVTR Concept The otherworldly design features flaps across the back of the body that can lift and lower, allowing the car to assume gestures and express itself as though it were a living being. The beautifully futuristic and drivable concept was paraded through Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, surrounded by members of Mercedes-Benz’s current all-electric EQ model lineup ahead of the premiere, adding a three-pointed star to the list of stars that will be involved in the magnificent premiere of this highly anticipated film. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mercedes-Benz (@mercedesbenz) Source: Instagram/Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 12, 2022

The New Limited Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Haute Voiture Co...

Mercedes-Benz puts art and fashion on wheels. This past May, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Haute Voiture Concept previewed an idea of automotive luxury directly inspired by the world of fashion, using the finest materials and featuring avant-garde design. Now, that concept has evolved into a real car and limited to 150 units, the new 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Haute Voiture is a stunning collector's piece of unique and exquisite automotive craftsmanship. The new car was revealed in an exclusive event in Dubai along with a fashion show by designer Atelier Zuhra, and coming with the car is a collection of bags to be sold at Maybach Icons of Luxury brick-and-mortar stores and online. MUST READ: The New Mercedes-AMG GT2 Expands AMG’s Racing Portfolio Based on the Mercedes-Maybach S 680, the incredibly-limited run of 150 cars features a high-fashion-inspired design, hallmarked by stunning two-tone paintwork, a custom animated projection seen when opening the doors, and a bespoke interior featuring touches like boucle fabric, linen, mohair, and even a custom set of champagne flutes evoking an artistic approach to luxury. The MBUX infotainment system featured in the car also dedicates itself to the fashion-forward aesthetic, with a catwalk-inspired look and feel, as well as custom avatars dressed to the nines, and the experience is topped off by a gift box that comes with the car, featuring a scaled model of the car, its badge number, and a custom key ring. Owners will also receive a special car cover with the exclusive Haute Voiture logo. The limited-edition bag collection that will launch early next year to complement the car will feature styles that are inspired by the car’s materials and design, and the collection will be made at the same craftsmanship, as well. At the intersection of automotive luxury and high fashion, Mercedes-Maybach is ready to push the car world forward. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 08, 2022

The New Mercedes-AMG GT2 Expands AMG's Racing Portfolio

Affalterbach’s newest racer seeks track domination. Known and celebrated for its racing and performance exploits, Mercedes-AMG has already introduced the Mercedes-AMG GT3 and Mercedes-AMG GT4, successful race cars based on the iconic Mercedes-AMG GT performance car. Now, the racing portfolio of Affalterbach’s performance specialists expands, with the introduction of the new Mercedes-AMG GT2, which will be introduced in time for the 2023 season. The car is the most powerful homologated race car in AMG’s 12-year customer racing program, and with excellent, power, aerodynamics, and weight reduction, it’s raring to take on tracks around the world. MUST READ: The New Hybrid 2024 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE Is The Most Powerful S-Class Ever The car features a version of AMG’s 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine that’s brought to 707 horsepower, making it the most powerful iteration of the engine in a homologated race car from AMG. Carbon fiber throughout the body, and even included in the powertrain helps reduce weight, and carefully-engineered aerodynamic elements throughout the car help air go exactly where it needs to. The prominent rear wing is mounted with a swan neck configuration, known for its effectiveness in delivering downforce and contributing to race-ready dynamics. With the new race car coming in time for the 2023 GT racing season, customer racing teams will receive cars that have been fully developed, with the development and testing taking place soon at the tracks where the GT2 racing season will take place. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 06, 2022

The New Hybrid 2024 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE Is Th...

AMG continues combining performance and luxury in a way only it knows how. As the German performance powerhouse turns 55, it continues to pioneer the future of automotive high performance using technology like electrification, hybrid powertrains, and unique approaches to turbocharging. Now, that cutting-edge performance know-how graces the Mercedes-Benz S-Class flagship sedan, a model known for its impressive size, unmistakable presence, and uncompromising luxury. The latest S-Class by Mercedes-AMG, the new Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE takes the performance and luxury of the S-Class to a level that it’s never been at before, and with hybrid technology, real-axle steering, and all-wheel drive, the large luxury sedan becomes a much different beast. MUST READ: 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Project One Listed for Sale Under the hood is AMG’s 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, but now, it comes with a hybrid system with an electric motor at the rear axle that gives it a total of an incredible 791 horsepower, making it the most powerful S-Class yet. Despite being in a plush, world-class luxury sedan, getting from 0-60 will take you an estimated 3.2 seconds, and the top speed is an incredible 180 mph. With AMG RIDE CONTROL + suspension coming with intelligent features, that entire range will feel comfortable, stable, and safe. The S-Class’s luxury hallmark remains in this monstrous performance machine, with Nappa leather throughout the interior, along with AMG-exclusive touches, and the high-tech MBUX infotainment system, with everything the driver needs both to race, and to relax. Even among its celebrated AMG peers, the new Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE represents peak performance. View All Mercedes-AMG S 63s For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

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By Tyler Rampersaud – December 05, 2022

Mercedes-AMG Teases Something New To Be Revealed December 6

Affalterbach’s performance powerhouse has a surprise in store. AMG has always been one of the most prominent names in German automotive performance, but in recent years, racing success and a lineup of some very serious performance cars has helped AMG show off its true potential and wow fans all over the globe. With technology like hybridization, electrification, and futuristic approaches to turbocharging, AMG is going full steam ahead into a new era of its performance and automotive performance in general. MUST READ: Mercedes-Benz x SK Gaming Launch A New Limited-Edition Capsule Collection, Available Now With a new Instagram post, AMG is announcing that something new is coming from the brand on December 6, and the picture appears to be a very close-up shot of an engine bay. While that isn’t a very big hint, given AMG’s recent track record with new offerings, we may be able to look forward to a hybridized performance car that combines the best of ICE and electric power to create an incredible machine. Having celebrated its 55th anniversary this year, Mercedes-AMG is ready for the future, and plans on dominating the German performance car world. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mercedes-AMG (@mercedesamg) Source: Instagram/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 – November 18, 2022

Mercedes-Benz x Avatar: The Way of Water Create The New V...

Mercedes-Benz collaborates with a fictional film that tackles real issues. The new Avatar: The Way of Water film will be released in theaters in December, and its story has the important theme of respecting nature and preserving it as best we can as a society. As automotive brands around the world have made a noticeable shift towards sustainability, that has become quite the common, poignant, and relevant theme in the automotive industry as well, and Mercedes-Benz is certainly one of those brands. Mercedes-Benz has set important sustainability targets in its “Ambition 2039” plan, and in doing so, the brand heavily identifies with the film’s theme and message. MUST READ: Roger Federer x Mercedes-Benz Auction A Tennis Ball-Colored AMG GT 63 S E Performance At RM Sotheby’s Munich Mercedes-Benz has collaborated with the new Avatar movie with a new concept vehicle called the Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR, inspired by the film franchise and created as a partnership between Lightstorm Enteratainment and Mercedes-Benz’s own designers. The concept uses biometric connection to make the car into an extension of its driver, with 33 bionic flaps on the body that are able to create communicative gestures based on the driver. The theme of the joint promotional campaign is “Earth is our Pandora” and it shows that even fiction can teach important lessons and provide inspiration for the automotive industry. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 16, 2022

Roger Federer x Mercedes-Benz Auction A Tennis Ball-Color...

Mercedes-Benz serves a special new one-off. Mercedes-Benz has partnered with famed tennis player Roger Federer on a new initiative called “Neon Legacy,” and at the center of it all is a very bold one-off car that was first shown at the Laver Cup in London from September 23 to 25. The car, a Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE, is painted in the bright neon yellow color of the felt on a tennis ball, honoring Federer’s incredible tennis-playing career, and also decorated with his personal signet. Now, the car will be auctioned on November 26 at RM Sotheby’s Munich Auction, after which the Neon Legacy initiative will return serve by putting the proceeds to a great cause. MUST READ: 2022 Mercedes-Benz S580 4MATIC Review: Punching Way Above Its Class All of the auction proceeds will be going towards the refurbishment of a public tennis court in London, so that the city’s tennis enthusiasts, young and old, will be able to enjoy a high-quality court, renovated and refurbished in collaboration with a Berlin-based graffiti artist duo called “Low Bros.” This partnership is a continuation of a long-standing relationship between Federer and Mercedes-Benz, and both promise that this is only the beginning. There is more planned for the future, and a documentary covering the renovation of the tennis court will be out as soon as early next year. At the intersection of sports and sports cars, Mercedes-Benz and Roger Federer have created a project that is truly special. View All Mercedes-AMG GT 63s For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mercedes-Benz (@mercedesbenz) Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 10, 2022

BRABUS Classic's Andy Warhol Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Begins ...

While BRABUS is known for boosting the looks and performance of modern-day Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, and Rolls-Royce models, its Classic division focuses efforts on preserving early automotive icons. Re-living the inspiration of world-renowned artist Andy Warhol, BRABUS Classic is responsible for the full restoration of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL from his 'Cars' Series. Making its grand debut at RM Sotheby’s auction event, the famous 300 SL sits on display as bidding begins for interested collectors. MUST-READ: BRABUS Reveals The Original Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ From Andy Warhol’s ‘Cars’ Series Through extensive research by BRABUS and Mercedes-Benz Classic, the Gullwing was confirmed as the exact chassis used in the 'Cars' Series. The car was then restored by BRABUS over 4,500 hours of meticulous manual work to bring it back to glory. The Warhol 300 SL is currently on display at Sotheby's New York gallery for all to see. View all current Mercedes-Benz 300 SL examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Mercedes-Benz 300 SL For Sale Source: RM Sotheby's

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 10, 2022

Watch The New Mercedes-AMG ONE Hypercar Break The Nürburg...

F1 tech and AMG know-how shake up the ‘Ring’s leaderboard. When the Mercedes-AMG ONE was finally announced, people immediately started to anticipate the new hypercar’s results in the ultimate automotive test, a lap time on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife route, which is to many car enthusiasts the most legendary race track in the entire world. With its Formula One-derived power and engineering, the Mercedes-AMG ONE took to the track on October 28, 2022, and not only excelled, but set an incredible new record for road-legal production cars on the track, and the super sports car category. MUST READ: Why This Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series For Sale Was Only Offered To Future AMG ONE Owners This feat was achieved despite a number of circumstances, like the fact that the lap was completed at 5:14 pm, and the track closed at 5:15, as well as the fact that driver Maro Engel had to battle a wet track for much of the session. The car’s hybrid system and DRS capability played an important role, but also added an element of strategy and consideration when it came to how to use them most effectively. However, with an incredible official lap time of 6:35.183, the Mercedes-AMG ONE nevertheless achieved the road-legal production car lap record on the Nürburgring. Engel was able to harness the car’s total 1,063 horsepower and 218-mph top speed using the “Race Plus” driving mode available in the AMG ONE. Mercedes-Benz also says that the Mercedes-AMG ONE’s Nürburgring lap record makes Mercedes-AMG the first manufacturer to bring a hypercar of its caliber to the track to set official records and that the AMG ONE is the fastest road-legal vehicle on the Nordschleife. Watch the video of the incredible lap record, and witness the revolutionary performance of the Mercedes-AMG ONE demonstrated in the most undeniable way. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

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