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 – December 13, 2017

Mercedes-Benz Unveils New 2019 G-Class Interior

It seems like automakers change their core products every few years to keep them appealing in the marketplace. But change can be unsettling when it comes to a dedicated clientele. That's why Mercedes-Benz has only updated their Geländewagen only a few times since it was introduced in '79,Spy shots of the new G-Class are hilarious because of the camouflage. Anyone with eyes can tell what it is. The unmistakable box on wheels is getting a well-needed facelift, and the interior will finally come into the 21st century.New 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS is Hybrid and MeanA press release early this morning includes jaw-dropping photos of the new cockpit. Two large displays are borrowed from the S-Class, and below the central screen are the three iconic controls that will never be used. Between the jet engine-inspired vents are the triplet of differential locks. The only production SUV to have 3 locking diffs, it's nice to know you can climb a mountain if needed.A new steering wheel incorporates two touch-sensitive buttons that respond to swipes like the screen of a phone. The center console has the same control pad as all other models, and it is flanked by shortcut keys that will keep your eyes on the road.The G-Class and the Unimog are among the few Mercedes-Benz models to be made of steel and to have a traditional body-on-frame design. That is why they aren't built alongside the other models. Production is done by skilled masters at a dedicated plant in Graz, Austria. Their proving grounds is known as the Schöckl, one of the tallest mountains near the factory. It inspired the 6x6 and the 4x4 Squared to take on the world. A silver badge showing the mountain in the background is a matter of pride for the workers, and it is showcased on the B-pillar for everyone to see.We are very intrigued by these photos, so as soon as the new G-Wagens arrive you will see a complete review here on Autofluence. Browse G-Class For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 13, 2017

Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4² Production To End

Nothing this good can last forever. The roughest & most capable G Wagen is not long for this world. In a press release this morning, Mercedes-Benz announced it will take orders until the end of October. All Hallows Eve will not be as scary without the big 4x4² towering over everyone.RENNtech Builds The Ultimate G500 4x4²It is a logical decision. The public reacted to it with shock & awe, and they sold more than anyone expected. It is so different than the normal G Class that it requires its own assembly methods along with negotiations with suppliers of the specialized parts. If you ever see one in person, you can't stop staring at the dual coil-over shocks at all corners.The beastly portal axles offer twice the ground clearance of the normal G500. I am only 5'9" with Timerlands on, and its a bit of a climb to get inside. Wearing 36" tires on 22" wheels appeals to the big kid in anyone, and they are probably the most aggressive tire on any production SUV. It is nice to have a 7" tall sidewall, the cushy ride won't spill your coffee. But from a practical standpoint, it doesn't fit in with anything else in their inventory. The G63 and G65 AMG models will carry on, and the aftermarket makes most of these parts if you want to build your own version.Our dealers are still taking orders for them, so click on the link below to get yours before collectors snatch them up. All we ask is that you get them muddy at least once a year. The triple-locking differentials need to be exercised, so hit the trails and stay with us for all your G Wagen updates.Search G Class For Sale

By Edward Jones – July 20, 2017

300,000th Mercedes-Benz G-Class Has Finally Been Produced

After 38 years of production, Mercedes-Benz has created the 300,000th example of their famed G-Class vehicle.The milestone car is a new, obviously, G500 finished in designo mauritius blue metallic with black leather seats inside and white stitching. Also adding some contrast are the black 16-inch wheels that go well against the blue exterior. How did Mercedes-Benz come to create this specific G-Class? Interestingly enough, they asked the fans of the official Facebook page of the G-Class to vote on their favorite spec.

By Andrew Nabors – April 21, 2017

Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 Squared: High & Mighty

We're not going to lie, the abundance of unexciting SUVs on the market has us feeling a little low. The immense number of boring models in production must be offset by rugged performance, so Mercedes has a prescription that might leave you a little high. Installing massive rubber is not a new way to increase ground clearance, but it puts a strain on your entire driveline. If your differential has battle scars from the trail, you might want to consider a lift kit. The economical way to do it, lift kits change your suspension geometry and make the ride less tolerable. Engineers who designed your SUV went to school for years to build the perfect compromise of street and off-road abilities, so why would you second guess them? Mercedes-Benz has always chosen the other direction in their 4WD products. Much like the Unimog, the G-Class has remained relatively unchanged for decades. But when they were given an infinite budget to create the 6x6, some of the lessons learned were applied across the lineup. G is for Gelndewagen, which literally translates to cross-country vehicle. Designed to go anywhere, it is probably the last production 4WD to have solid axles front and rear. They are nearly indestructible, which is why most off-road enthusiasts prefer their rugged design over an independent front suspension. The only disadvantage is the differential housing, often called the "pumpkin," is the lowest point on the truck. Related - Mercedes-Benz Concept A: Bringing the Curves Back Pumpkin of a 2016 Ram Rebel Sure big tires will help, but if you really want to avoid scrapes, portal axles are the best way to go. A portal box at each corner allows the differentials and driveshafts to remain tucked up close to the floor and away from the rocks. Portals also incorporate a gear reduction which relieves stress on the driveline. Only the Unimog and the G550 4x4 Squared have adopted them in production form because they are incredibly expensive. The amount of time involved in fabricating the gears and boxes are why they have been limited to industrial and military use until now. Because of the sizable investment Mercedes has made, Dealers in the US have been reticent to order the Squared without a sizable deposit. That's why every example we upload is gone within hours. I saw one at the Ritz-Carlton parking lot during the Amelia Island Concours and I couldn't keep from crawling under. Looky here! Shock & Awe Stand Above The Competition Of course, the axles are heavier, and yes they add unsprung weight, but dual shocks at each corner keep the meaty tires under control. The 22" wheels are wrapped in 325-55-22 tires, which measure in at 36"x13". We have experienced the 4.0-liter twin turbo under the hood of the AMG GT S and the new C63, and it doesn't disappoint. But it doesn't have the same massive torque found in the G63 or G65, so clever gearing was needed. The transfer case of the 4x4 Squared has a more aggressive low range and combined with the reduction in the portals it allows the turbos to get to work. The engine is rated at 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough for a muddy afternoon. If you don't need 17.7" of ground clearance, the twin turbo 5.5 liter G63 and the battleship powered twin turbo V12 in the G65 are still available. The only reason they don't have the trick suspension bits is because they make too much power. If you need an uplifting experience, here are a few for your consideration. designo Mystic Blue from the Fort Lauderdale Collection White from The Collection White From Isringhausen Imports Black from Platinum Motorcars Detroit

By Andrew Nabors – December 09, 2015

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Just Got Even Classier

For the discerning Mercedes-Benz buyer, their designo program incorporates an exclusive set of interior and exterior options that make for a bespoke automobile. Not merely a different palette to choose from, the paint and leather are of a higher quality than regular production models.Since designo has been an unquestioned success, they are now taking it to the next level. In a press release dated December 4th, Daimler dished out the details of the new designo manufaktur program. The first vehicle to receive this treatment will be the Geländewagen (G-Class). The classic "G wagen" has been in production in Austria by Magna Steyr since 1979.Since it has a dedicated production line, it allows for the hand-finishing of the finer details. The Manufaktur hand-finishing section will ensure that stitching, paint, and final assembly are done by skilled craftspeople, not machines.The new interior colors offered in the program are designo leather saddle brown, deep-sea blue, silk beige and mocha brown. For the G63 and G65, buyers can also choose from a DINAMICA package that adds an AMG flat-bottom steering wheel, along with microfiber trim for the dash, seats and headliner.Since the G-Class always seems to be last in line to get the latest options, also announced in the press release is the launch of the Night Package for the SUV range. For an imposing, Murdered Out motif, the mirrors, bumpers, and fender flares are finished in Obsidian Metallic.Because designo models are made to order, it will take some time until we see one in our listings, but rest assured that once we do, you will see it in detail on Autofluence. Tell us how you would order yours below.Mercedes-Benzs For SaleGallery (Source: Daimler)

By Caitlin Duffy – November 04, 2015

Mercedes-Benz Introduces New GLS SUV

The Mercedes-Benz GL SUV has received the S-Class treatment for its newest iteration, bringing a new level of luxury to the Mercedes-Benz GLS.As a press release from the German marque today shares, the GLS is the "only full-fledged seven-seater in the European premium SUV segment," and its revised design brings the model into Mercedes-Benz's "new design idiom."A sportier, more aggressive fascia comes from the addition of chrome details on the roof rails, underguard, shoulder line trim strips and side skirt trim, while the rear is brought up to date through the addition a new bumper and tail lights. A new paint color has been introduced specifically for the GLS, further expanding customization options; owners can choose between standard and metallic finishes, with designo diamond white and designo hyacinth red as special edition colors, the latter exclusively available for the GLS.The seven seats inside the GLS are all treated to updated luxury, with increased elbow, head and leg room and the ability to enjoy state-of-the-art infotainment systems. Ambient lighting comes in three color shades, the steering wheel can be either wood or leather and the air is improved in quality by an ionization system.There are a few engine options available for those interested in the GLS, ranging from the 258 hp of the GLS 350 d 4MATIC's diesel V6, to the 585 hp from the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC. Pricing for this model in the United States has yet to be announced, but the European prices are listed below, as are the equivalent amount in American dollars, according to the conversion rate at the time of publication:GLS 350 d 4MATIC €62,850 ($68,270 USD) GLS 400 4MATIC €64,425 ($69,980 USD) GLS 500 4MATIC €81,600 ($88,635 USD) Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC €113,500 ($123,290 USD)Check out the photos of this latest rendition, and find one of its predecessors for your collection from our exclusive listings.GL Class Models For SaleGallery (via Mercedes-Benz) See More Mercedes-Benz News

By Edward Jones – October 13, 2015

Mercedes-AMG G63 6x6 Off Roading on Beach

Imagine you have a Mercedes-AMG G63 6x6 sitting in your garage, right now. What do you do? Take it off-roading, of course.To see what you'd be missing out on if you kept it locked up is a video uploaded by Gumbal Oct. 12. The video was filmed in Belgium during the 66th Zoute Grand Prix, according to a WorldCarFans.com. It seems it was a display of the car's power and abilities, on a section of beach closed for the festivities.In the video, we see the six-wheeled luxury SUV powering through the sands of the beach. Unfortunately, it looks as though this section of the beach wasn't entirely closed off properly, allowing the high-power SUV to drive close to beachgoers who walked around the fence, close to the water. Luckily, nobody was injured, but we still must suggest that you don't try this at home, or your local beach.It's going to be hard to pull off this exact stunt, considering Mercedes-Benz recently stopped production of the 6x6. Of course, we do have a G63 AMG 6x6 listed on duPontREGISTRY.com for sale.Check out the video below to watch the 6x6 in action for yourself.G63s For Sale (Source: YouTube via WorldCarFans.com) Mercedes-Benz Videos, Pics and Videos

By Edward Jones – September 18, 2015

2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Gets More Power and Speed

Mercedes-Benz has added more power and efficiency to the 2016 G-Class models, according to a press release issued by the German automaker today. To be a bit more specific, they stated that they added 16 percent more power and up to 17 percent more fuel economy.The highlight of the press release is the G 500, which is now sporting the same V8 engine found in the Mercedes- AMG GT and C 63. However, in the G 500, power is modified to 422 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. This is an increase of 35 hp and 59 lb-ft of torque over their previous naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 engine.Fitted to the V8 engine are two turbochargers, which are strategically placed in the "V." This allows for a more compact engine, quicker response time and lower exhaust emissions. PTD G – Experience Frankfurt September 2015G 63 AMG Edition 463 Polar weissWhen put to the test, the G500 can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds, .2 seconds quicker than before.Also being optimized for 2016 are the G 350 d, AMG G 63 and AMG G 65.The G350 d receieves a power increase from 211 hp up to 245 and 398 lb-ft of torque to 442 lb-ft. It can now run from 0-60 mph in 8.8 seconds, .3 seconds quicker than previously.Mercedes has also upgraded the AMG version, with the G 63 now producing 571 hp, 27 hp more, and the G 65 with 630 hp, 18 hp more.Also announced in the press release was the AMG EDITION 463. This model gives the interior and exterior of the G 63 and G 65 a new and sportier look. Mercedes-Benz also stated that the G 500 4x4² will be on showroom floors starting December 2015.Mercedes-Benz ListingsGallery (Source: Mercedes-Benz) See More Mercedes-Benz News, Pics and Videos

By Andrew Nabors – June 19, 2015

Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4² Goes Into Production

Our favorite SUV has some hot new features for 2016. The Geländewagen, or better known as the G-Class, from Mercedes-Benz is one of the most capable and long-lived models in recent history, and in a press release issued this morning, Daimler announced that they will put the G500 4x4² into production.Inspired by the G500 4x4² show car, this new model features military-spec portal axles along with a new V8 engine. These new axles are nearly 12-inches wider and use a clever set of gears at each corner.(Related: Porsche Finishes Production on the 918 Spyder)This raises the drive line higher above the wheels to give 4x42 almost 18” of ground clearance. For the ultimate in grip, it arrives fitted with 22-inch wheels wearing massive 325/55 tires. These are some of the potent parts also found under the ludicrous G63 AMG 6x6, and we’re glad they’re available in a more sedate package.In order to meet strict new Euro 6 emissions requirements, the base model G500 and the new 4x42 will receive a new 4.0-liter V8. The displacement may seem diminutive on paper, it comes fitted with two potent turbos that help to produce 422 hp and 450 lb-ft. While it may not be a G63 AMG level of power, the engine is derived from the new V8 found in the AMG GT S. Having this much torque with three locking differentials will make for a fun time off of the road, with much better fuel economy than its predecessors.As soon as Mercedes-Benz of Tampa Bay receives theirs in December, expect to see a full review. In the meantime, check out the gallery below and stay tuned for more G-Class updates.Mercedes-Benzs For SaleGallery (Source: Daimler/ Mercedes-Benz) More Mecedes-Benz News

By Caitlin Duffy – June 12, 2015

Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Switzerland to Pakistan with Mike ...

It's a route so uncommonly traveled that Google Maps doesn't even have driving directions for it, but that's not stopping Mercedes-Benz or Mike Horn from a Switzerland to Pakistan road trip.Horn is what you might call a "professional adventurer." His first famous endeavor was completed in 2001, when he traveled, solo, around the entirety of the equator without the use of any motorized transport. Since then, he has set off on treks of all sorts, bringing a new perspective to different parts of the world.Check out the stunning images of this off-road adventure and be sure to follow Mercedes-Benz and Mike Horn for updates from this experience. In the meantime, find your own perfect off-road utility vehicle by hitting the button below.G-Class For Sale (Source: Facebook, Mercedes-Benz.com) See More Mercedes-Benz News

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