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

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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.

The New 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 Has Higher Revs & Improved Dynamics

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 10, 2026

New 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 Unveiled

AMG has become one of the most ubiquitous names in the automotive industry, with a lineup that was instrumental in demonstrating today’s landscape of cars that combine luxury and performance aspects. One of its most popular models is the Mercedes-AMG GLC, which is already based on a bestselling small luxury SUV model, and the GLC 53 dials up its performance factor for an engaging, thrilling driving experience. For the 2027 model year, Mercedes-AMG has given the staple GLC 53 a significant update, revising its performance character, adding new driver-focused features, and improving its dynamics. The engine, a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder unit with twin-charging, thanks to an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor, brandishes 443 horsepower and 443 lb/ft of torque. That torque figure increases to 472 lb/ft for 10 seconds with overboost, and overall, the engine has been redeveloped to have a more agile response and high-revving character. Other upgrades include a new cylinder head, improved intake and exhaust ports, a new intake camshaft, a new intake system, a new intercooler, and more. <- Gallery -> The new 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 can get from 0-60 in just 4.1 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, or 167 mph with the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package. That same package adds a Drift Mode to the 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive system, allowing the vehicle to operate exclusively in rear-wheel drive. Standard rear-axle steering improves the driving dynamics of the luxury performance SUV, offering agile maneuvers at low speeds and stable directional changes at higher speeds. For the 2027 model year, the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 will be offered with a Golden Accents Package, in which Obsidian Black Metallic or Graphite Grey Magno exterior colors are contrasted with gold accents, including on the wheels. Design elements throughout further enhance the unique package, and the model is available with both SUV and coupe body styles, and it’s arriving at United States Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the second half of 2026. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

2024 Mercedes Benz GLC Coupe (European model shown)

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 27, 2023

Mercedes-Benz Reveals MSRP Of The New GLC 300 Coupe

The stylish and luxurious SUV coupe hits dealers later this year. Mercedes-Benz has always been a harbinger of luxury and performance in the automotive world. However, the GLC Coupe brings a unique style to its staple SUV, and the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe brings new tech and features to the mix. Priced starting at $57,000, this beauty is ready to make its grand entrance in U.S. dealerships come late fall 2023. Now, let’s talk about what's under the hood. The new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is a mild hybrid, replete with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator. This innovative approach not only provides an energy recuperation system but also offers extra oomph you would expect from a performance vehicle. Paired with a standard sport suspension, the GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe promises agility and comfort whether you're on a city street or venturing into off-road terrain. But Mercedes-Benz didn’t stop there. They've included an array of standard features that makes driving this car a dream. Whether you’re faced with snow, rain, or winding mountain roads, the standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive coupled with an Electronic Stability Program ensures that you remain in control. And for the adventure seekers, there’s an intuitive off-road screen and the "transparent hood," a component of the standard Surround View 360-degree camera that elevates your off-road escapades. Inside the cabin, you’re greeted by state-of-the-art tech and creature comforts. You’ve got larger driver and center infotainment displays, an upgraded MBUX infotainment system, Mercedes-Benz Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and heated seats for both driver and passengers. Plus, the panoramic sunroof comes standard, offering a more open feel, and is 2.4 inches longer than its predecessor. The infotainment system now also includes full-screen navigation as standard, making your city driving or cross-country expeditions easier to navigate. Moving on to aesthetics, the GLC Coupe's sporty silhouette is nothing short of eye-catching. With the Mercedes-Benz star pattern now a standard feature on the radiator grille cover, it adds a touch of elegance to the sporty profile. The exterior design is further accentuated by muscular wheel arches and precisely shaped edges that highlight the vehicle's proportions. And let’s not forget storage. The new model offers 19.2 cubic feet of trunk space behind the second-row seats and 52.6 cubic feet when they're folded down, providing ample space for all your road trip essentials. For those wanting to push the envelope on aesthetics, the optional AMG Line comes with AMG-specific wheels, body styling, and other unique features. Interestingly, initial market deliveries will be exclusively equipped with the AMG Line, bumping the starting price to $59,850. As if the exterior wasn't captivating enough, the interior carries a dynamic flair. A 12.3-inch high-resolution driver display and an 11.9-inch central portrait display both appear to float, adding an avant-garde touch to the interior layout. The optional AMG Line goes the extra mile with a flat-bottom multifunction sport steering wheel, sport seats, and AMG line floor mats. To sum it up, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe is a perfect blend of performance, luxury, and sustainable driving. View All Mercedes-Benz GLCs For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes AMG GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE Coupé

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 26, 2023

New 671HP Hybrid Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe Revealed

A four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system are responsible for that power figure. Mercedes-AMG has continued to transform and redefine automotive performance through hybridization, and with the release of its revamped AMG GLC Coupe, that transformation reaches the SUV coupe segment for the first time. The midsize series vehicle features state-of-the-art technologies and all the luxurious trappings we've come to expect from the German automaker. Two variants, the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE Coupe and the GLC 43 Coupe, lead the lineup, boasting unparalleled performance and next-gen hybrid technology. The GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE Coupe is the star of the show, the first-ever performance hybrid SUV coupe from Mercedes-AMG. Under the hood, you'll find an awe-inspiring 671 hp system output, powered by a hand-built M139l AMG 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Not only is it the world's first and only series-production engine with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger, but it also combines with a hybrid system to achieve that soaring power figure with as much as 201 horsepower of electric power. With a dedicated focus on performance, the electric motor is mounted on the rear axle of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE Coupe, which allows it to contribute directly to impressive acceleration and off-the-line power. What that means is that 671 horsepower becomes more than just a number, translating to exhilarating driving and thrilling performance. In addition, the hybrid system offers high recuperation efficiency, ensuring maximum propulsion whenever you need it. The proof: The GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE Coupe takes you from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.4 seconds, capping off at an electronically limited 171 mph top speed. On the aesthetics front, the GLC Coupe's design is a symphony of dynamic elegance and signature AMG features. The AMG front fascia, large air inlets, and vertical fins all exude a commanding presence. The sporty silhouette, the precise side edges, and the powerful wheel arches underscore its athletic stance. Moreover, the two-piece taillights add an extra dimension to its design, making it visually captivating from all angles. The new Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe is more than just a head-turner it's a game-changer when it comes to combining and luxury, performance, and style in the same vehicle. Whether you're intrigued by its groundbreaking E PERFORMANCE hybrid tech or captivated by its sporty design, this coupe offers the best of both worlds. View All Mercedes-Benzes For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 01, 2022

The New Mercedes-Benz GLC Features Hybrid Power And Advan...

More innovation, features, and luxury than ever are in the Mercedes-Benz GLC. In the ever-popular mid-size luxury SUV market, Mercedes-Benz’s GLC is one of the most important players. Starting life in 2015, it served as one of the brand’s most popular vehicles for its practicality and luxury, selling over 2.6 million units worldwide. Now, the GLC is more futuristic and innovative than ever in its latest generation, with great strides taken towards electrification, along with the modern features and increased driving capability in a variety of terrains and conditions. MUST READ: 2023 Mercedes-AMG ONE Officially Revealed: A 1,049 HP Hypercar Powered by an F1 Engine The latest generation of the MBUX infotainment system makes driving and enjoying the GLC easier than it ever has been. Augmented reality navigation and features like the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant help you safely enjoy all the features of the GLC with ultimate convenience. An amazing new example of this is “Newsflash” a feature that allows MBUX to read out short news reports. An improved drag coefficient of 0.29 is incredibly impressive for an SUV like the GLC, and it helps increase efficiency, and performance, as well as reduce noise levels. Innovative features like wireless charging are standard with the GLC, and speaking of electricity, electrification is an important step that the GLC has taken, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system assisting the four-cylinder engine in the new GLC. Both on and off the road, the GLC ensures driving confidence, with an optional Parking package that includes a 360-degree camera, and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC that can take control if need be. When the driver wants to travel off the beaten path, the standard Downhill Speed Regulation is ready to ensure composure along with the “transparent hood” feature of the optional 360-degree camera that allows the driver to see under the front of the car, including the front wheels and their steering position so as to avoid obstacles. With a new look and a new attitude, the new Mercedes-Benz GLC is ready to be more capable, comfortable, and popular than ever. View All GLCs For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 16, 2022

The New Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV Is Debuting June 1

Mercedes-Benz is premiering the next generation of one of its most popular models. The GLC, one of Mercedes-Benz’s smaller SUV offerings, is the global market leader in its segment, and Mercedes-Benz’s most popular SUV within its own lineup. It’s an absolute hero for the brand worldwide, which is why it’s being given an update to be even better than it already is. This new generation promises on and off-road confidence, infotainment and luxury like the GLC has never seen before. MUST READ: The New 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 “Edition 55” Celebrates AMG’s 55th Anniversary The new MBUX infotainment system will be available in the GLC, with more computing power, responsiveness, and intuition than Mercedes’ infotainment systems have had before, and off-road handling will be incredibly enhanced with standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive and other off-road features. The premiere, happening June 1 at 11:00 AM EST, will feature a film concept that goes behind the scenes of digital product launches, and the characters include a film director and a Formula 1 driver. The premiere video will be live-streamed on various Mercedes-Benz social channels, and then be available to watch on-demand after the live event. Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Andrew Nabors – August 04, 2020

Mercedes-Benz EQC Test Drive by Nyck de Vries

As one of their best Formula E drivers, Nyck de Vries knows how to push an electric car to its limits. That is why Mercedes-Benz allowed him to put in a few laps at the Autodromo Riccardo Paletti. Their first electric SUV, it offers 402 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque at all wheels. Top speed is limited to 112 mph to prolong the life of the 80 kWh battery. She is a little heavy at 5,346 lbs, but that weight is very low, allowing for fun in the corners. BRABUS Concept for the Mercedes-Benz EQC Unveiled If you like the lines but you aren't ready for electric, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 offers 469 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque from its twin turbo V8. At $73,750 it is $5,850 more expensive than the electric model and is only capable of 16 mpg in the city. The EQC has an EPA-certified range of 220 miles, so its a tough decision. Click the button below to find our dealer near you and they will reserve your EQC. Browse Mercedes-Benz GLC Class BRABUS EQC

By Andrew Nabors – June 11, 2019

Mercedes-Benz Unveils the GLB

If you are in the market for a new family hauler, allow us to introduce something new. Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the GLB as a new compact crossover. It is a budget-minded machine without standard content you would expect. Options like 4MATIC all wheel drive and adjustable suspension are how Mercedes-Benz will compete with a lower base price. It is larger than the GLA and smaller than the GLC, and it has MacPherson strut suspension. Under the hood is a 1.991-liter four-cylinder. It offers 221 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque in the new GLB 250. Hopefully, AMG will step in and cure this lack of power because it is not enough to move three rows of humans. It will make a find commuting appliance if you don't need acceleration, so click the link below for great deals on the GLC and our dealers will have all the information. Browse Mercedes-Benz GLC For Sale 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe & SUV Revealed

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