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 Edward Jones – March 04, 2019

Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster Has Been Unveiled

The new Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster has just been unveiled and it's as sharp-looking as you'd expect. Mercedes notes that they will only be creating 750 examples of the new roadster, so if you're interested, act fast. Underneath the hood of the new AMG GT R Roadster is a 4.0-liter V8 with Biturbo tech, providing 577 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes notes that this power will launch the car from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and will hit a top speed of 197 mph. For the top, Mercedes chose a three-layered fabric soft top that utilizes a structure comprised of magnesium, steel and aluminum. When the top is down, the driver and passenger can take advantage of the AIRSCARF system. When activated, AIRSCARF will blow heated air down the necks of the driver and passenger from the head restraints. If it's cold out and you want an open-top experience, the AIRSCARF is a lifesaver. Great Deals on Hummer H1 For Sale! Just like its coupe relative, the AMG GT R Roadster is full of enhancements that make it a driver's dream. Depending on the driver's mood or the road condition, there are four different driving modes that can be selected: "Basic", "Advanced", "Pro" and "Master". AMG has also fitted the car with multiple mechanical enhancements, like the chassis with uniball joint bearings, coil-over suspension (w/ adaptive adjustable damping), active rear-wheel steering, electronically controlled limited-slip differential, high-performance composite brake system and more. Delivery dates and pricing has not been announced as of yet. see all mercedes-amg gt's for sale! Go Off-Road: See all Hummer H1 for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 27, 2019

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Unveiled

We saw a preview of the new Mercedes-Benz GLE class last year at the Paris Auto Show. The 4th-Generation GLE will be arriving soon, and it blends efficiency and luxury into an everyday SUV. The base model will offer a turbocharged four, so not much excitement in acceleration. So if you need something with power, the Mercedes-AMG 53 has just been unveiled. Hooray at the return of straight-six power. Turbo V6 engines have been the status quo for a few years, but many manufacturers are realizing why the straight-six powered most cars for over half a century. It is smooth, much cheaper to build, and it has incredible low end torque. This means you won't have to wait for the turbos to spool if you need acceleration. The GLE 53 takes it to another level by adopting a 48-volt mild hybrid system. A healthy electric motor between the engine and transmission is used as a starter, and as a generator for a small electric supercharger. This tiny blower spins up the turbo instantly, adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Another technology from the old days is gliding mode. It decouples the engine from the driveline when coasting to save on fuel. A total of 450 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque offers a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds. Incredible numbers from a 3.0L six cylinder, so click the link below to find our dealer near you. Shop Mercedes-Benz GLE Class Related: Mercedes-AMG S65 Final Edition Heading to Geneva Why You Should Buy a Mercedes-AMG G63

By Andrew Nabors – February 22, 2019

Why You Should Buy a Mercedes-AMG G63

If you haven't heard, the new Mercedes-AMG G-Class shares nothing with its predecessor. Every G550 and G63 rode on solid axles, with styling that was introduced in 1979. Because the new Geländewagen has been long overdue, this is why you should buy a Mercedes-AMG G63. The only thing it shares with the previous example is a name. Since this was an opportunity for a clean -sheet redesign they started with a modern chassis. The old G Wagen had a solid front axle. While they were common on every 4WD until the 90's, the new model arrived with independent front suspension. Not only is the ride more comfortable, it makes the SUV much safer on the street. If you are waiting for a new G65, don't hold your breath. The big V12 is being retired, so the G63 now reigns supreme as the top-level G-Class. As such, it offers 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque from a 4.0L twin turbo V8. The low-range transfer case has been replaced by AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Torque distribution is locked 40/60 front to rear to remain capable in bad terrain. This is further enhanced by the addition of "Sand, Trail & Rock" modes to the AMG Dynamic drive system. The last three are not offered on the G550. With a new foundation, it was time to bring the interior into the modern era. The G63 has the same brilliant displays found in the S-Class, and air vents that resemble ramjet intakes. Because the body incorporates high-strength aluminum in many places, it is quiet and less top-heavy than before. Overall the body is shorter and wider, and it offers more cargo space than before. We could go on for days describing how the new G63 is unlike anything else on the road, but the experience speaks for itself. Our dealers will be happy to show you what it can do, so click the link below and stay with us for all your G-Class news. Shop Mercedes-AMG G63 Related: 2018 Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 Squared Specs, Photos, Price & Review Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 Squared: High & Mighty

By Andrew Nabors – February 22, 2019

Mercedes-AMG S65 Final Edition Heading to Geneva

Mercedes-Benz and their parents at Daimler are preparing for a massive presence at the Geneva Motor Show. We've covered the SL Grand Edition and the SLC Final Edition earlier this week, but we missed one sentence in their Geneva preview. Tucked away near the bottom is the sad news that a Mercedes-AMG S65 Final Edition will also be on display. Mercedes-Benz discontinued the V12 after the gas crises in the 70's, but it returned in 1991 in the 600S and SL models. But it looks like the 6.0L twin-turbo engine is on borrowed time. Much like the SLS AMG we covered yesterday, big German engines are an endangered species. We don't know what this means for the Mercedes-Maybach, or Pagani since they are based around this masterpiece. 2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Specs, Price, Photos & Review This also implies there will not be a new G65, as the 2020 G63 has incredible potential. Our hearts are heavy, this is like watching the last episode of MASH while holding back the tears. But this old friend is going out on top, with 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Get it while you can, as the 2019 (and hopefully 2020) examples of the SL65, S65 Sedan, Coupe, and Cabriolet are heading into the sunset. Click the link below to find an S65 near you and stay with us for all your AMG news. Shop Mercedes-AMG S65 For Sale " width="680"> Related: Facelift Changes for 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 and S65

Mercedes-Benz SL Grand Edition (R231), 2019

By Andrew Nabors – February 20, 2019

Mercedes-Benz Unveils SLC Final Edition & SL550 Grand Edi...

Having too many convertibles is a nice problem to have unless you are an automaker. That's why Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the SLC Final Edition along with the SL550 Grand Edition. They hit our inbox as separate press releases this morning, and we'll start with the sad news first. It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to the Mercedes-Benz SLC. These small & nimble roadsters arrived in 1996. Since the 2-door S-Class cabriolets are selling like hotcakes, the SLC 300 Final Edition will arrive in Selenite Grey. Going out in style, it has AMG body panels and forged 18" wheels. For the Final Edition of the SLC 43, AMG has all options as standard equipment. Arriving in Sun Yellow, it has gloss black accents around the body and matte black wheels. We will miss the twin-turbo V6 in such a small car, but all good things come to an end. As the SLC drives off into the sunset, big brother SL550 is getting a healthy refresh. The Grand Edition arrives in Graphite Grey with matte silver accents. AMG provided 19"/20" forged 10-spoke wheels to make it even more distinct. The interior is awash in designo Tundra Brown Pearl leather. This unique shimmering metallic offers a nice contrast against the Golden Olive Pearl stitching. Both the SLC and the SL ride 10mm lower on AMG suspension. Our dealers have all the details on both cars, so click the link below to find an SL for you! Related: Mercedes-AMG & Cigarette Unveil the 41' AMG Carbon Edition Celebrate 40 Years of the G Wagen

By Andrew Nabors – February 14, 2019

Mercedes-AMG & Cigarette Racing Unveil the 41' AMG Carbon...

Once you are done with Valentine's Day candy, head down to the Miami Boat Show for something truly sweet. It has been a dozen years since Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing joined forces. Their latest creation is inspired by the AMG GT 63 S 4-door coupe, so the Cigarette Racing 41' AMG Carbon Edition looks fast at any angle. Powered by a quartet of Mercury 400R outboards, their combined output of 1,600 horsepower offers a top speed of 83 mph. The hull and most of the deck are made of carbon fiber, which allows it to be 500 lbs lighter than the GT R Cigarette from 2017. The rudder, decking, roof lining and the hard top are also made from the wonder material. It is rated for 20 people while cruising or 8 at top speed. The unique paint is graphite grey mango, a shade that is exclusive to the AMG 4-door. Navigation is handled by three Garmin 17" touchscreens that also handle engine data and the ambient lighting. Guests won't be burned by the seating, as it is "Cigarette Cool" synthetic. If you want this level of perfection on land, click the link below to find an AMG GT near you and stay with us for all your Mercedes news. Shop Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale Related: Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Pricing Revealed Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Breaks 4-Door Ring Record

MB G-Modell der Baureihe 460; Offener WagenMB G-Modell 460 series

By Edward Jones – February 06, 2019

Celebrate the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and its 40th Anniversary

This year, Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the G-Class and its 40th anniversary. It was back in February 1979 that Mercedes unveiled the 460 model series G-model for the very first time. Since that fateful unveiling, the G-Class has been a staple in the German automaker's lineup. It has seen changes and variants over the past four decades, but the overall DNA of the model has remained the same. To celebrate, I've put together the different models of the G-Class that are currently for sale on duPontREGISTRY.com. Check them out below! Mercedes-AMG G63 6x6 view this Mercedes-AMG G63 6x6 for sale Mercedes-AMG G63 view all Mercedes-AMG G63 for sale Mercedes-AMG G65 view all Mercedes-AMG G65 for sale Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 Squared view all Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 Squared for sale Mercedes-Benz G650 Landaulet view this Mercedes-Benz G650 Landaulet for sale Mercedes-Benz G250 Wolf view all Mercedes-Benz G250 Wolf for sale

PFV die neue S-Klasse Cabriolet und S-Klasse Coupe Kalifornien 2017Press test drive the new S-Class Cabriolet ánd S-Class Coupe California 2017

By Andrew Nabors – January 15, 2019

Reviewed: 2018 Mercedes S63 AMG Cabriolet

If you want a convertible Mercedes what comes to mind? Of course its the SL is a "Sport Light" roadster with a retractable hard top. But it carries a legacy of being the flagship of the brand, and priced out of reach of most buyers. That is why they shortened the S-Class sedan and gave it a fabric top. The S63 AMG Cabrio packs a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 sending 603 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. It allows 60 mph to arrive in 3.8 seconds, only 0.1 seconds slower than the V12 powered SL65. So what would you do with an overpowered AWD convertible? We spent a week with one and realized how inferior everything else can be. Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta Specs Starting where the rubber meets the road, the S Cabrio suspension is far more advanced than the aging SL. Multi-chamber air bags and curve control allow the body to lean into each corner. This translates cetrifugal force into vertical, making for a pleasant ride after my neck surgery. The transition from sedan to coupe didn't alter the front seats or dash. Controls and infotainment are almost identical to the sedan. What makes it even more practical are the rear seats. Even with the fronts fully back, there is adequate room for rear passengers. Driving the S63 Cabrio is truly rewarding. The incredibly strong unibody does not rattle or show any signs of cowl shake. The 9-speed dual clutch transmission offers instant shifts to wake up the turbos. In normal mode, it shifts way too early for people like us. Sport + mode should be the default setting when the engine starts. That's because it will reward you with incredible acceleration in any situation. You will not reach the limits of this car on any public road, and you will make Subaru drifters question their purpose in life. If you have the means, 180,000 is not an unreasonable price. Our dealers have several to choose from, or they can order yours to meet your heart's desires. Click the link below to learn more and stay with us for more reviews. Browse Mercedes S-Class For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – January 09, 2019

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Drives Off 3rd Story of Parking Garage

Out in North Hollywood, California last week, the driver of a Mercedes-Benz G-Class found himself plunging from the third story of a parking garage. The G-Class ended up on its roof after the drop, but thankfully the driver lived to tell authorities about the tale. According to NBC LA, the driver told authorities that "something got stuck and made him accelerate" through the wall and onto the street below. ABC7 News reports that LAPD investigators said that the driver actualyl stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake and lost control. Good samaritans came in to help pull the driver from the once-airborne SUV. Eventually, firefighters had to step in to help the trapped driver. The driver was then taken to a nearby hospital with critical injuries, but he was listed in stable condition the following morning. Sunken Ferrari 360 Modena Salvaged in West Palm Beach Interestingly enough, even after falling three stories, the G-Class remained in decent condition. I guess this accident shows just how sturdy Mercedes' famed SUV really is. If you're looking for a strong SUV, a G-Class may just be what you're looking for! View All Mercedes-Benz G-Class For Sale https://twitter.com/ABCWorldNews/status/1081244471751172097 Featured Image via Kim Tobin Twitter

By Andrew Nabors – November 29, 2018

2020 Mercedes-AMG AMG GT R Pro Revealed

The last four years has seen unprecedented competition in the market for sports cars. Our friends at Mercedes-AMG have never been content to let their lineup get stale, so they have unveiled a hot new version of the AMG GT. Taking influences from their GT3 racing program, the new AMG GT R Pro blurs the line between race and street. A new stability system known as AMG Dynamics allows for more cornering grip and faster response to changing conditions. Three modes are available across all versions of the AMG GT. Basic mode covers slippery and comfort situations. Advanced is aimed at winding roads allowing for more spirited driving. Pro mode is only available in Sport +, and it is intended for drivers who want to be on the edge. Master mode is only offered on the GT C and GT R, and it can only be accessed in Race mode. Those distinct settings wouldn't be worth much without a more capable car. The new AMG GT R Pro is a result of lessons learned in GT3 and GT4 racing. It starts with new coil-over suspension at all corners. Compression and rebound are easily adjusted by dials on each shock. The former has individual responses based on speed. Both sway bars are adjustable, and the front is made of carbon fiber. All control arms have ball joints instead of bushings because nobody like mushy responses when cornering. A new carbon fiber panel under the rear suspension serves to maintain consistent geometry and precision. Unfortunately the computer controlled hydraulic motor mounts remain an unnecessary luxury. Additional carbon fiber reinforcements are hidden from view, but the new aerodynamic parts are stunning. A lower front splitter along with fender vents creates more downforce. The rear spoiler has gained a Gurney flap, because Dan Gurney was a genius. Earlier this month AMG driver Maro Engel lapped the 'Ring in 7.04.632, elevating the AMG GT R Pro to become the fastest street legal AMG to-date. View All Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale

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