McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

Mercedes-Benz News

Mercedes-Benz news fromduPont REGISTRY News, updated daily, covering the S-Class, the Maybach range, the AMG models, the G-Class and the electric line-up. Our reporting takes in reveals, first drives, bespoke builds and the auction results that set collector values. Mercedes-Benz competes across more segments than almost any rival, so the news here runs unusually wide. Our marketplace supplies the part most publications leave out entirely. A great many of these cars are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which puts a review and a real asking price side by side. For Mercedes-Benz news today, and the luxury car market news around it, start here.

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 14, 2024

Mercedes-Benz Reveals The New Limited G-Class Stronger Th...

Diamonds are forever, but so is the Iconic G-Class. There’s no luxury SUV that has quite the legacy that the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has attained. As a model that Mercedes-Benz has sold for decades, the G-Class has become known and celebrated across the globe for its off-road capability, dependability, power, luxury, and glamor, being a favorite among enthusiasts and collectors for all of these reasons. With Valentine’s Day here, and love in the air more than any other day on the calendar, Mercedes-Benz decided to celebrate love, and love for the legendary G-Wagon, with the G-Class itself, announcing a new love-inspired limited edition model of the SUV, called the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Stronger Than Diamonds Edition. Strictly limited to only 300 examples worldwide, the exclusive limited edition is a beautiful example of the G-Class, and turns it into a beautiful expression of love. Based on the Mercedes-Benz G 550, the model features an exclusive rose gold paint color: MANUFAKTUR Rosewood Grey Magno. In addition, the black Nappa leather interior features rose-colored contrast stitching, diamond symbols and “Stronger Than Diamonds” hallmarking is featured throughout, and each door locking pin features a 0.25-carat diamond. The Responsible Jewelry Council will give each customer a certificate stating that the diamonds featured in the G-Class are ethically and sustainably sourced, as well. To launch the new special edition, Mercedes-Benz has launched a campaign for the new G 550 Stronger Than Diamonds Edition across all of its social media channels, celebrating love and the legacy of the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class. View All Mercedes-Benz G 550s For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 29, 2023

V12 2016 Mercedes-AMG G 65 Listed For Sale

Who else can say their luxury performance SUV has a twin-turbo V12? Mercedes-AMG has been responsible for its fair share of lovably zany luxury performance creations, whether that be the V8-powered R 63 AMG minivan, the compact A 35, or the F1-derived Mercedes-AMG ONE. However, one of the most loved and iconic is the G 63 AMG, but in the recent past, a speical model took the icon of the top-of-the-line G-Wagon to the next level, and that was the G 65. Unlike the G 63, the G 65 was not powered by a twin-turbocharged V8, rather a twin-turbo V12. While the 6.0-liter M275 bi-turbo V12 powered a range of AMG models with the "65" designation, the G 65 was undoubtedly one of the most interesting, as the immense off-road Geländewagen was transformed into a beastly 621-horsepower luxury performance machine, with the glitz and unmistakable style of the G-Class to match. Being one of the more peculiar and rare creations Mercedes-AMG is responsible for, it's not easy to find one of these beauties for sale, but duPont REGISTRY is the place to look as it's been the source for supercars since 1985. This specific 2016 Mercedes-AMG G 65 for sale is available at Galpin Aston Martin in Los Angeles, and it's got everything that makes the G-Class special, and then some. Present is the G-Wagen's unmistakable boxy look, along with its tall stature, and an interior with what seems to be acres of quilted leather. To remind you of its twin-turbo V12 brawn, AMG's Affalterbach crest is proudly embossed on the headrests of the seats, letting you know that while you're in the lap of luxury in this black-on-black G-Wagon, you're also behind the wheel of a fearsomely powerful twin-turbo V12-powered machine. If an iconic luxury SUV with a hand-built twin-turbocharged V12 engine that is sure to live on as an esoteric gem of automotive history, especially as the V12 slowly fades from the automotive world, sounds like something you'd want in your garage, make sure to check out this incredible 2016 Mercedes-Benz G 65 AMG for sale. View the price and listing by clicking below. View Price And Listing Image Source: Galpin Aston Martin

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 28, 2023

Watch The Upcoming Electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class Off-Roa...

Meet the future of the legendary luxury SUV. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been around for decades, and in that very long time, it’s become the industry standard when it comes to a highly capable and luxurious SUV with an unmistakable and timeless style. A favorite of enthusiasts, celebrities, and off-roading aficionados alike, the G-Class has a time-honored reputation as one of the best SUVs ever, but the automotive industry’s transition to electric vehicles means that the G-Class is sure to undergo a transformative change. To anwer the question of the future of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the incredibly historic manufacturer has shown an electric version of the G-Class, which is well into its development and on the horizon to hit the market. The idea has been hinted at in concepts, but in this new video, Mercedes-Benz shows not only that this new model is very real, but very capable and ready for anything. Being radically different as an electric model compared to its traditional and long-standing combustion-powered counterpart, the existence of an electric G-Class begs the question of whether it does justice to the original, and with its incredible off-road capability and technology, as well as its design which is unadulterated at its core, it arguably improves on what makes the G-Class great. Rock-hopping is made virtually effortless with a tough carbon fiber plate protecting the battery on the underside of the car, while the use of electric motors allows for power to be delivered to the wheels in a way that combustion engines can’t, thus allowing for unique maneuvers. One feature that the upcoming electric G-Class offers is a method for tight and quick 90-degree turns, perfect for instances like navigating a forest and avoiding densely populated trees. However, the true showpiece of the video is the vehicle’s ability to, on loose surfaces, do 360-degree turns in place, literally spinning around with the use of its high-tech electric power, which is called "the G-Turn." The electric future of the G-Class is finally arriving, and Mercedes-Benz promises that it’s a great one. View All Mercedes-Benz G-Classes For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 21, 2023

Mercedes-Benz x Moncler Reveal PROJECT MONDO G

PROJECT MONDO G is a unique art piece that merges the iconic G-Class and Moncler’s distinctive design elements

2007 Mercedes Benz G500 479900 494031252

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 16, 2022

This Mercedes-Benz G 500 Cabriolet For Sale Is Ultra-Rare...

No roof? No road? No problem. As a vehicle equipped for both adventuring and luxury, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV is virtually unparalleled. For decades, the vehicle has been a staple of the brand and in all those years the formula has remained much the same, and it has been a winning formula for all that time, with celebrities and luxury car lovers fawning over the 4x4 even more as the years go by. One of the most interesting and less common versions of the G-Class SUV is the Cabriolet version. Now discontinued and never made for the United States market, the G-Class Cabriolet is a rare and sought-after automotive gem because of the way it combines luxury, power, off-road capability, and simple fun. MUST READ: This Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series Tuned By Renntech For Sale Is A Unique German Performance Beast This stunning 2007 example features sleek black paintwork, as well as a black soft top for a beautifully uninterrupted look when the roof is up. On the inside, you’ll see an interior with proper Mercedes-Benz luxury and quality, with dark wood trim and black leather throughout. The vehicle is a stunning combination of luxury, style, and rugged capability, and especially when you’re driving off-road, behind the wheel, you’ll be in a luxury oasis. Under the hood, you’ll find a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 292 horsepower and 336 lb/ft of torque, making for plenty of muscle to get the large vehicle moving. This beautifully pristine, unique, and incredibly rare Mercedes-Benz G 500 Cabriolet for sale at Grand Prix Motors in Portland, Oregon is one of the greatest examples of the legendary G-Class SUV and has the potential to be the halo piece of any luxury or off-road enthusiast’s car collection. If you want this car in your garage, check out the price and listing by clicking below. View Price And Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 06, 2022

Mercedes-Benz Celebrates The 2022 Masters With A Special ...

The German pro golfer will be pulling up to Augusta in style. The 2022 Masters tournament marks a special occasion for golf fans all around the world this weekend. As one of the main sponsors of the iconic event, Mercedes-Benz is proud to be on scene with some of the biggest names in the PGA aside their fleet of performance-focused sports cars. Mercedes-Benz The German automotive manufacturer is honoring two icons during the 2022 Masters, German professional golfer Bernhard Langer and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Bernhard’s decades-long career includes successful starts and wins at some of the most famous events, including his first Masters' appearance in Augusta, GA 40-years ago. Leading at the top of its class for over 40-years, it's only right to have Bernhard Langer arrive in style in the newly redesigned 2022 Mercedes-Benz G550. MUST-READ: New Virgil Abloh X Mercedes-Maybach S 680 Is Available To Buy Celebrating his dedication to the sport and its brand, Mercedes-Benz commissions a unique custom livery for the luxury 4x4 in collaboration with tape art artist Leah Abucayan. The once gloss white G550 now showcases a vibrant new design that features Bernhard Langer and his motto ‘Stronger Than Time’. Alongside Bernhard and the G-Class, Mercedes-Benz is also excited to see brand ambassador John Rahm as another prime contender for the 2022 Masters. Mercedes-Benz The golf-packed weekend is sure to be filled with intense competition and German automotive excellence. Look out for Bernhard Langer’s custom Mercedes-Benz G550, as well as the AMG SL and EQS at August National Golf Course during the 2022 Masters this weekend. View all of the current Mercedes-Benz G550 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming celebrity car news. View All Mercedes-Benz G550 For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

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By Tyler Rampersaud – April 05, 2022

The Mercedes-AMG G 63 Drifts In The Snow In An Epic Spect...

Mercedes-AMG sends the world’s favorite SUV sideways. The spring season may be on the rise, but snow and sliding are very much still on the schedule for the Mercedes-AMG G 63. In the Swedish Lapland, one of the automotive industry’s favorite spots for scenic and intense cold-weather testing, the G 63 went out on the ice and was both in and out of its comfort zone with the action that Matthias Malmedie and Peter Schoren, head of G-Class Sales and Product Management got it into. MUST READ: New 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan Pricing Announced With its comprehensive four-wheel-drive system, locking differentials, and plenty of power from its twin-turbo engine, hand-built in Affalterbach, the G Class is capable not only of conquering extreme conditions but also of turning vast frozen expanses into a complete playground, sliding around and kicking up ice and snow in its wake, just as well as a more traditional rear-wheel-drive sports car would on the asphalt. As it turns out, the G Class is great at both turning heads and turning sideways. Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 22, 2022

Mercedes-AMG Celebrates 55 Years With the New "Edition 55...

55 years of one of the greatest houses of German performance is undoubtedly something to celebrate. Starting as a two-man startup in Affalterbach, Germany, AMG in only 55 years became an international symbol for incredible craftsmanship and the beautiful marriage of the best in automotive luxury and performance. With decades worth of dialed-up Mercedes-Benz models under its belt, as well as timeless grand tourers that pay homage to the brand's history like the Mercedes-AMG GT and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the AMG name is prolific in the automotive world, and its impact even beyond Mercedes-Benz is undeniable, with brands like Pagani and Lotus using AMG’s powerful engines in their own iconic cars. MUST READ: Check The Spec: F1-Inspired 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series To celebrate 55 years of unbelievable success, Mercedes-AMG has created the G 63 “Edition 55.” It’s a special edition of the ever-popular G 63 model, characterized by 22-inch cross-spoke wheels finished in matte gray, a silver chrome fuel filler cap, special side graphics, and a black and red interior with “55” badging throughout. The model celebrates AMG’s past, and heralds its future, with cars like the upcoming All-Electric Mercedes-AMG G Class, and record sales performance in the past year of 145,979 vehicle deliveries. AMG’s first 55 years were incredible, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 01, 2022

New Mercedes-Benz G-Class Edition 550 Is Limited to 200 U...

The elite’s favorite Geländewagen just got even more exclusive. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has always been a cultural icon. But with the years-long SUV craze we are currently in showing absolutely no signs of stopping, the classic Benz has spun up more pop-culture cachet and popularity than ever before, constantly being mentioned in songs, and seen on reality television, in music videos, on the internet, and on the street being driven by those who like the gold standard when it comes to luxury. MUST READ: New Mercedes-AMG EQE Cranks Up The Voltage For Mercedes-Benz With luxury and rarity as the top priority, Mercedes-Benz has now released the G-Class Edition 550. This limited edition G-Class SUV is a series of three G-Class builds, colored in Jupiter Red, Arabian Gray, and the newest Manufaktur color, Moonlight White. Only 200 G-Class Edition 550s will be made, and they come with a range of options like Nappa leather, Active Multicontour seats, and carbon-fiber trim. Despite the popularity of the G-Class, the opportunity of owning an Edition 550 G-Class is an opportunity to stand out among the crowd, and drive a truly distinguished SUV, a celebration of the amazing capability, heritage, and history of the iconic Geländewagen. All G 550s For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz/LinkedIn

By Edward Jones – September 07, 2021

Electric Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Concept Revealed

This concept looks ready to roll off of the production line. When Mercedes-Benz unveiled the current generation of the G-Wagon back in January 2018, Chair of the Boat of Management of Daimer AG at the time, Dieter Zetsche, promised Arnold Schwarzenegger that they would produce an electrified version of the SUV in the future. Now, three years later, Mercedes-Benz is showing off their concept for what that would look like and it's called the Concept EQG. According to the automaker, this concept is a "near-production study," and it sure looks like it. From the front to the rear, this concept is a wonderful interpretation of what an electrified version of the iconic G-Wagon would look like. Unlike the current G-Class models, however, this concept is powered by four electric motors that are individually controllable. By having four separate motors and the independent suspension, this concept has is a true 4x4 with boundless of-roading capabilities. As for the power output of these motors, that's unknown for right now. From the looks of it, the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG looks ready for production so stay with us for more info as it's released. See All AMG G 63s For Sale Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG Source: Daimler/Mercedes-Benz

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