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 Andrew Nabors – November 16, 2020

2021 Mercedes-Benz EQA & EQS Are Ready For Launch

When Bertha Benz learned her mother was ill, she took her husband's invention and drove across Germany. Since 1888, every Mercedes-Benz has been tested in the real world under the most demanding circumstance, and that is why the 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQA & are ready for launch. In their latest upload, we see engineers pushing both models at their proving grounds. Choose between sedan or crossover and you will have two electric motors for All Wheel Drive. The range will be over 300 miles thanks to a modular battery design, and the power is mounted low for incredible handling. Our dealers have all the information and they can show you a new world for electric luxury. Click the button the learn more and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz news. Browse Mercedes-Benz For Sale " width="680">

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By Jordan Aquistapace – November 12, 2020

Mercedes-Benz Is On Scene At Augusta For The 2020 Masters

The 2020 Masters Tournament is the main stage for the top golfers around the world to showcase their talents and hope for a big win. The current COVID-19 pandemic has left the event postponed to November 12th-15th. Mercedes-Benz is playing a role as a sponsor, providing individual vehicles for the players, including the four participating brand ambassadors, for the week that they are in Augusta. The lifetime sport represents both comfort and performance, just as Mercedes-Benz incorporates into each vehicle within its lineup. A high-class course like Augusta calls for luxury vehicles to help best represent the game of golf, as well as the players that participate. Throughout the Masters, keep an eye out for Mercedes-Benz making its appearance on and off the course. Learn more about Mercedes-Benz’s involvement with The Masters by clicking the link below. Learn More Source: Mercedes-Benz USA

By Andrew Nabors – November 11, 2020

2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Sets New Sedan Record At Nürbur...

As you read this please consider what is happening around the world. Engineers and drivers of the world's fastest production cars have been smacked by news from the Nordschleife, as the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S has set a new sedan record at Nürburgring. Unless you are part of their team, you have been ordered to focus on electric cars and less on motorsports. But records are meant to be broken. That's why they have been chasing it for almost a year. Watch the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series in Action With the engine and transmission offering unflinching resolve, they spent many long days perfecting the suspension, All Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Steering systems. This allowed 630 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque to keep the car at the edge of taking flight. Therefore a new AMG Aerodynamics package was developed to increase stability while lowering drag. Waiting for perfect weather, test driver Demian Schaffert chose to attack the track with ambient temperatures hovering around 44.6 degrees. Crossing the finish line in 7:23.009, he beat his previous record (in the first AMG GT 63 Sedan) by 2.3 seconds. Compared to other lap times it is deep into supercar territory, flanked by the 911 Carrera GTS and the Dodge Viper ACR. It will be a long time before another sedan goes faster, so this car demands respect in any situation. The AMG GT 63 S is not a limited run nor is it priced into oblivion. That's why you should click the button below and stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG news. Browse Mercedes-AMG GT 63 For Sale " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 03, 2020

"The Time Capsule Collection" By CURATED Features Five Eu...

CURATED is excited to offer an unparalleled five-car, single-owner collection of incredible European Icons. Listed for sale individually, each vehicle forms part of ‘The Time Capsule Collection’ and has been lovingly preserved to an exceptional standard by a passionate collector from new. All the cars have unique factory specifications and liveries. The collection is arguably the best example of low mileage 1980s and 1990s automobiles Curated has had the opportunity to represent. View CURATED Inventory Headlining the collection is one of the most iconic Mercedes-Benz AMG examples produced. This unique Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC is potentially the most documented and well-preserved example of an original AMG 6.0 4V in existence. Purchased new in 1987 and shipped direct to AMG Westmont. In its original Black paint over Palomino hides the car is complimented by the original AMG 6.0 4V engine, penta-wheels, styling package and suspension. All AMG options are documented from new. Source: Albert Manduca The collection also features three low mileage Lamborghini icons. The 1988 Lamborghini Jalpa is believed to be the last Jalpa produced for North America and the only example produced in Nero over Nero with White Piping and White optioned Silhouette wheels. A stunning and unique combination ordered by the original owner. This incredible example still wears its original Pirelli P7R tires and has only 3,200 miles. Source: Albert Manduca 1 of 60 produced for the world, the 1990 Lamborghini LM002 America is finished in stunning original Bianco Perlato paint over Red hides. Documented 1,200 original miles that are represented by its original Pirelli “Sand Lip” tires. A time capsule LM002, that still has the factory plastic seats cover and factory delivery keychain affixed to the ignition key! Source: Albert Manduca The 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th has just over 2,600 miles and is in striking Nero Tenebre over Cream leather. Accented by Black piping, the interior still smells new and all of the contours and foam are in excellent condition. Source: Albert Manduca Concluding the collection is the 499-mile 1991 Lotus Esprit X180R. 1 of 20 produced for the world. The Esprit X180R were produced as road-legal homologation cars for Lotus to compete in the IMSA Supercar Championship. The Esprit X180R was the last factory-built race car with a full roll cage that was Street Legal and sold new in the United States. Source: Albert Manduca “These outstanding cars represent some of the most iconic Automobiles of the 1980s and 1990s in arguably the best condition and preservation, we have seen.” said John Temerian of Curated. “Not only are they in incredible condition but they are complete with original tools, records, books, documents and more! It’s truly an honor to represent cars of this caliber.” Inquire about the "Time Capsule Collection" by contacting CURATED at (855) 796-7704. View CURATED Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – October 23, 2020

2021 BRABUS Rocket 900 Price & Specs Revealed

Yesterday we received a few camouflaged teasers. All we could tell is that BRABUS has been up to something big. Exactly one year ago they released an 800 horsepower version of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S sedan. It was a smash it thanks to 738 lb-ft of torque along with the finest leather you will ever touch. The new 2021 BRABUS Rocket Widebody has been revealed as a finely sculpted masterpiece. Saving the best for Friday, BRABUS just sent us all the data on their latest supercar. First off, only 10 will be made. The exclusivity is due to their hand-built stroker engine. After receiving new 4.0-liter V8s from AMG, BRABUS' master engine builders craft a forged 4.5-liter using their own crank, rods, pistons, etc. Because the car retains the 4MATIC AWD system, it needs meaty tires. The fronts are 295/30/21 and the rears are 335/25/22 Pirelli P-Zero. That's 12" of rubber on each rear wheel- Fruit by the foot! " width="680"> On top of each engine is a plaque from the builder, with a dyno graph engraved into titanium. It displays 900 horsepower and 921 lb-ft of torque. Because they don't want to snap the rear axles, torque is electronically limited to 775. Not only does this allow the transmission to live a happy life, but an under-stressed engine also hasn't a worry in the world. Top speed is limited to 205 mph. All ten cars will have the BRABUS Masterpiece leather interior, double-stitched by hand in a diamond quilted pattern. This goes for the seats, doors, floors, floor mats, and everything else. Because they reserve Rocket name for unprecedented performance, we have a suspicion this car is not for amateurs. Their forged one-piece 21" wheels have carbon fiber air deflectors that we've seen on hypercars like the McLaren Speedtail. Combined with the massive cooling intakes, this car will undoubtedly be impressive. You will reach 62 mph in 2.8 seconds on your way to 186 mph in 23 seconds. The car is 1" lower and 3" wider for better aerodynamics, so reserve yours now before these 10 become centerpieces for BRABUS fans around the world. Pricing starts around $515,000, or the equivalent of €435,800. Click the button below to learn more. Browse BRABUS For Sale

Elektroauto der Extreme: Elektrischer Luxus goes offroadElectric car of extremes: Electric luxury goes off-road

By Andrew Nabors – October 13, 2020

Mercedes-Benz E400 4x4² Concept Takes High Voltage Offroad

Early this morning I awoke to a Facebook memory of the 4x4². Mercedes-Benz announced the death of their most capable G550 on October 13, 2017. Because the past is often prologue, portal axles are back! So we are excited that the Mercedes-Benz E400 4x4² concept can take high voltage offroad. Their latest vision of the future involves adding Unimog suspension to the popular EQC electric crossover. BRABUS Adventure 4×4 Squared Goes Off the Trail in Dubai With bead-lock wheels ready for any terrain, the 11.5" of ground clearance is double that of the street-legal version. Because of all the added weight and mechanical disadvantage, the power usage is up to 22 kWh for every 62 miles. Nevertheless, it can ford water up to 15.7", with approach and departure of 31.8 and 33 degrees respectively. All fenders have 4" flares to encompass the 285/50/20 tires, which equates to 33" x 12.50" for you mud-boggers out there. While it is impressive on its own, we could be looking at a test mule for the electric G-Class that has been rumored to arrive next year. Here's to Mercedes-Benz for showing the future of offroad adventure, and click the link below for great offers on Gelandewagens for sale. Browse Mercedes G550 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 07, 2020

Inside AMG: Testing At The 'Ring

Behing every Mercedes-AMG model is a dedicated team of engineers. With a large workshop located next to the Nurburgring, they are able to test new models from the prototype phase to production ready. With Felix Schönhofer as our host, lets look inside AMG testing at the 'Ring. Take a moment to think about all the details of the latest AMG GT R Pro. Every driving mode requires hours of track time, in every type of weather. Items as trivial as running lights to the tie rods must be tested. During each run, the cars are heavily monitored for fuel mileage, exhaust pollution, sound, and optimal driver comfort. If you haven't experienced the latest Mercedes-AMG GT, click the button to find one near you and stay with us for all your AMG news. Browse Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – October 06, 2020

Mercedes-Benz Confirms Six New Electric Models

Earlier this year, GM's CEO Mary Barra confirmed Cadillac will be all electric in the near future. Spurred on by Porsche buying 20% of Rimac and Tesla's incredible battery advancements, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed six new electric models. Starting at the bottom, their press release says the EQA will be the EV brother of the GLA compact SUV. It will arrive later this year, followed by the larger EQB early next year. The electric E-Class will be the EQE, and it will spawn an SUV variant next year. None of these would be possible without the new modular architecture of the EQS. More than just an electric S-Class, it is poised to be the flagship of the brand. Their target is a range of 435 miles with everything you would expect from their largest sedan. This new chassis & propulsion system is scalable to all models, and it will eventually be manufactured in factories from Alabama to Austria. Mercedes-Benz For Sale As part of its "Ambition 2039" initiative, Mercedes-Benz is working on offering a CO2-neutral new car fleet less than 20 years from now. The company wants electrically powered cars including all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to account for more than half of its sales already by 2030. This plan is ambitious to say the least, but with the full backing of Daimler, they will give EV buyers unparalleled German luxury and performance. Click the button to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz news.

By Andrew Nabors – September 28, 2020

Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR Looks To A Sustainable Future

As one of the most iconic designers of this decade, Gordon Wagener has been inspired by James Cameron's masterpiece: Avatar. That is why the Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR looks to a sustainable future. Looking at home in the forests of Pandora, the rear decklid has vents that respond in harmony with the world around them, and the plastics are formed from reclaimed trash. Controlled from a central joystick, the car can crab walk up to 30 degrees in both directions. If this is a vision of the future, we are optimistic about what is coming from Mercedes Benz. Browse Mercedes-Benz For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 23, 2020

2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe & Roadster Receive Nice Upgrades

Once you have driven one, every other car feels like an imitation. While there is nothing to complain about inside our out, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe & Roadster have received nice upgrades. Their latest press release begins with a new "Stealth Edition". It combines the AMG Night Package with black calipers, black chrome grille, black headlight bezels, and matte black Y-spoke wheels. It can be ordered in 3 paint colors: gloss black, obsidian black metallic, selenite grey metallic or designo graphite grey magno. Inside you are treated to AMG performance seats along with piano black trim and Dinamica microfiber. " width="680"> While the new edition is purely aesthetic, all AMG GT models will arrive with 54 more horsepower. Now with 523 hp on-tap, you will reach 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. If you like torque, it has 494 lb-ft from 2,100 to 5,250 rpm. This allows the Coupe to reach 194 mph while the roadster is 1 mph slower. Click the button below to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG news. Browse Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale

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