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 – October 31, 2018

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Breaks Four-Door Nurburgring Record

The new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ has become the world's fastest series production four-seater around Nurburgring Nordschleife. This record comes after a certified time of 7:25:41, which was completed by AMG Development Engineer Demian Schaffert. Schaffert is actually a former racing driver, so he knew exactly what he was doing behind the wheel. You can view the record lap down below.Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: A Look BackMercedes' four-door sedan beat out the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio's time of 7:32, set back in 2016. Now the German company can sit on top of the four-door Nurburgring pedestal for the time being. Which car will break the record next? View All AMG GT For Sale AMG GT R Specs

By Edward Jones – October 18, 2018

Mercedes-Benz Getting Deeper Into eSports

Mercedes-Benz is going ahead and expanding their commitment to eSports. The news comes in as the company is renewing their partnership with ESL, one of the world's most popular eSports platforms. Thier games include Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, FIFA, League of Legends, Call of Duty and many others. This partnership will continue until December 31, 2020. If the popularity of eSports continues, and it seems likely, it wouldn't be a surprise if they extended their contract again."We are systematically expanding our involvement in esports", says Britta Seeger, Member of the Daimler Board of Management, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales. "As a global brand, we want to open ourselves up to new target groups. esports gets us into a dialogue with young people, especially those with an affinity to technology. We are pleased to be part of the rapidly growing gaming community and support the ESL in further advancing this action-packed and thrilling sport."The Grand Tour Video Game Has Been Announced An actor dressed as Crystal Maiden, a figure from the online game Dota 2, poses in front of a Mercedes-Benz star. Pictures taken in context of ESL One Katowice 2018You may think it's odd that Mercedes-Benz would sponsor video game tournaments, but it's quite in par if you look at eSports as any other sport. Just check out the Atlanta Falcons' home, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Considering how much money some of these professional gamers are making, buying a Mercedes-Benz is easily feasible. Just check out the money Ninja of Fortnite fame is making (over $500k a month) and the amount of money being awarded some tournaments (1st place at the Dota 2 tournament called The International was awarded over $10 million). Video gaming isn't like it used to be, that's for sure.Related Video: View All Mercedes' For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Edward Jones – September 28, 2018

New German Hypercar Officially Named Mercedes-AMG ONE

Daimler has finally dropped the official name for their upcoming hypercar: Mercedes-AMG ONE. The name was chosen because, as Daimler says, it "stands for the highest automotive ambition: to bring Formula 1 hybrid technology to the road." They also go on to say that it will be the top-of-the-line model, sitting at the number one position in the company's portfolio.The car isn't ready for production yet, however. Currently, the car is undergoing wind tunnel testing. This regimen of testing includes checking the performance of the two-stage rear wing as they aim for maximum downforce. Daimler says their experts are working to "bring racing technology to life in a street-legal vehicle." Mercedes-AMG Project ONE in Final Testing Those who have ordered a Mercedes-AMG ONE can learn all about the car in a mobile showroom that's called "The Future of Driving Performance." Inside this showroom, customers can sit in the cockpit of the hypercar, learn the status of its development, grab a cup of joe from the coffee bar and more. It's currently residing at the Munich Mercedes-Benz branch. 2018 Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG Specs, Photos, Price & Review Ausblick auf den Pariser Automobilsalon: Die Sportwagen- und Performance-Marke n gibt den Namen der Hypercar Serienversion bekannt: Mercedes-AMG ONE.In the run-up to the Paris Motor Show, the sports car and performance brand announces the name of the Hypercar production version: its name is Mercedes-AMG ONE.

By Andrew Nabors – September 20, 2018

Mercedes-AMG Project ONE in Final Testing

Innovation is never an easy process. That is why Mercedes-AMG has been developing their latest hypercar in the virtual world. But simulations are no substitute where the rubber meets the road. Their goal has been to build a street-legal Formula 1 hybrid. In a press release this morning, we've learned the car and its drivetrain are being pushed to the limit at the toughest tracks in the world. Much like the SLS AMG, it is an opportunity for AMG to build a supercar without the supervision of their Mercedes overlords. While camouflage is used to keep us from seeing the final shape, they mention how the screaming turbo V6 attracts attention from everyone in the vicinity. The 1.6-liter V6 and the hybrid drive have been flogged on the dynos at HPP in Brixworth. AMG's High-Performance Powertrain lab is where Aston Martin's V8 engines were developed, and it is also home to Mercedes' Formula 1 team. It will be rewarding to see their expertise in action, so stay with us for all your Project ONE updates. In the meantime, check out AMG's previous achievement, the SLS AMG in the link below.Browse SLS AMG For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 19, 2018

Entry-Level 2019 Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC Announced

A new entry-level model has just been introduced by Daimler: the 2019 Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC. This new model looks like it's going to be a fun drive and perfect for those who are fans of hot hatches. "With the new A 35, we are fulfilling our brand promise of driving performance in every detail and offering thrilling lateral dynamics at the level of today's A 45," says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.Under the hood of the 2019 A35 AMG is a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. This little engine puts out solid power: 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm. Mated to this engine is the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission. Smash the pedal down and the A35 AMG will run from 0 to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds. Not bad for an entry-level model.As with most AMG models, the new A35 AMG comes packing some features that make spirited driving more efficient and, frankly, fun. Underneath the stylish body is a strengthened front section that gives the hot hatch better turn-in ability. There's also an aluminum plate bolted under the engine and two diagonal braces in the front that increase stiffness and reduce torsion. It's all in the name of better cornering. AMG also included the five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport + and Individual. The new addition in these programs is the "Slippery" program, which is optimized for slippery road conditions (no surprise there). 2018 Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG Specs, Photos, Price & Review The 2019 Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC will be premiered at the Paris Motor Show on October 2 and sales will start in October. As of right now, it's only confirmed for Western Europe. Hopefully we can get our hands on this new AMG in the states.

By Edward Jones – September 12, 2018

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Revealed With Redesign

The new 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE is coming in hot with a slew of changes and additions that make it a completely redesigned model. Its exterior has been refreshed with new front and rear fascias that allow it to fit in with the company's current design scheme. Highlighting the car's look are the headlights that hold an LED Intelligent Light System that produces the maximum amount of light that's permitted by law. "The GLE exhibits iconic Mercedes-Benz design while remaining true to its character as an off-roader," says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG.One of the most interesting additions to the new GLE is the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL. This is a 48-volt active suspension system that Mercedes says is a world first. The system controls the spring and damping forces at each wheel, allowing it to counteract body roll, pitching and squat. A great example of the application of this system is if one of the wheels were stuck in a ditch. Simply adjust the wheels on the touchscreen to adjust the car's height or traction so you can drive away without having to jump on the bumper. View Mercedes-Benz G63 AMGs for Sale View Mercedes-Benz S65 AMGs for Sale Other notable features/updates of the new GLE include the inclusion of the MBUX system, updated Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC® and Active Steering Assist, optional Energizing Comfort system, and a longer wheelbase. 2018 Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG Specs, Photos, Price & Review The new 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE will be fully unveiled at the Mondial l'Automobile in Paris in October 2018 and will be up for sale in 2019.

By Andrew Nabors – September 11, 2018

New 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Teased

It has only been 3 years since the launch of the first-generation GLE. It was offered as a 4-door coupe with a fastback roof, and an SUV with a traditional high roof. But in order to stay at the cutting edge of the SUV market, a new GLE was teased this morning.2018 Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG Specs, Photos, Price & ReviewIt will undoubtedly arrive with their updated interior technology. This includes swipe control pads on the steering wheel, active lane keeping, and intuitive control layout. Hopefully, we will receive the straight six engine from the E53 Hybrid. It uses a 48-volt energy storage system to assist in acceleration and braking.The best news is that production of the new model will start soon at Mercedes-Benz USA in Tuscaloosa. Along with the new Sprinter and the C-Class sedan, the plant has created thousands of jobs and exports their models around the world. Click the link below to find a GLE near you and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz updates.Browse Mercedes-Benz GLE For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 05, 2018

Meet the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan

If you are in the market for a compact luxury sedan, Mercedes-Benz suggests a healthy dose of Vitamin A. Their A-Class is all new for 2020, with front wheel drive and two flavors of turbocharged power. A truly global car, it will be assembled in Mexico, China, Finland, and Hungary, in addition to the main plant in Germany.2018 Dodge Demon Price & SpecsAs an economical alternative to the C-Class, the press release shows a six-speed manual option on the base-model 1.3-liter. The previous A-Class won over many Korean and Japanese car owners with a starting price of $29,500, so it was very affordable to lease or buy.For now, the top engine option will be the 2.0-liter turbo four. It sends 224 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. There is sure to be an AMG model in the works, so click the link below to find our dealer near you.Browse Mercedes-Benz CLA For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 04, 2018

Mercedes-Benz EQC Coming in 2019, First of its Kind

The new Mercedes-Benz EQC will be the vehicle under the company's new "EQ" brand. It comes as Mercedes' first all-electric SUV and is their way of "flipping the switch." With the EQ brand, Mercedes is showing their vision of the future. In fact, They are "investing more than ten billion euros in the expansion of our EQ model portfolio," according to Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars.When it hits production, the SUV will be known as the EQC400 4MATIC and it will be powered by an all-new drive system. This system consists of electric drivetrains at each axle that generates a total output of 408 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes' technical data notes that this power will accelerate the SUV from to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds. This figure is quicker than the 2017 Tesla Model X 75D's 0 to 60 time of 6 seconds but much slower than the 2017 Model X P100D's (Ludicrous Speed included) time of 2.8 seconds.Providing power to each of the drivetrains is a lithium-ion battery that has an energy content of 80 kWh. Owners can charge this battery at home or at a public station. When using at a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox, this battery can be charged three times quicker than if a domestic power socket was used. Mercedes notes that the EQC will have a range of more than 279.6 miles (450 km), but these are provision figures as of right now and official numbers may vary.2018 Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG Specs, Photos, Price & Review

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ 4-Türer Coupé

By Edward Jones – July 24, 2018

Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe Can Now Be Ordered

Looking forward to owning the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe? Your wait is finally over. Daimler has announced that customers can now order the tow V8 version of the 4-door AMG: GT 63 4MATIC+ and GT 63 S 4MATIC+. The prices for these cars in the United States hasn't been released as of yet, but the European prices have been. The GT 63 4MATIC+ will have a price of €150,118.50 (approx. $175,000 USD) while the S version will cost €167,016.50 ($195,000 USD). There's also the Edition 1 model that will cost €185,342.50 (approx. $215,000 USD). Daimler also notes that these models will be hitting dealerships come fall 2018.Shop Mercedes-Benz for Sale

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