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.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 01, 2021

Mercedes-Benz Project MAYBACH With Virgil Abloh

Rubell Museum to showcase Project MAYBACH to the public from December 1st – December 2nd. The world is devastated by the recent passing of fashion designer icon Virgil Abloh, who incorporated his unique artistic vision into countless collaborations and collections. As a member of the Mercedes-Benz family, Virgil continued to work closely with Chief Design Officer Garden Wagener on reimagining production vehicles as works of art displayed for enthusiasts to enjoy. Along with successful collaboration ventures like Project Geländenwagen, Virgil set out to shock the automotive and fashion world with his highly-anticipated release of Project MAYBACH. Mercedes-Benz is proud to honor the work of Virgil Abloh by revealing Project MAYBACH following the wishing of his family. MUST-READ: Project Geländenwagen By Mercedes-Benz x Virgil Abloh As an idea started from scratch, Virgil and Gorden took to the drawing board to create an off-road electric two-seater that pushes the boundaries of function, style, and collaborative creativity. The inspiration behind Project Maybach was complete creative freedom, the great outdoors, and recontextualizing a traditionally metropolitan brand within a distinctly off-road environment. Project MAYBACH channels Abloh's passion to challenge the status quo and re-write the rulebook of aspirational design. The X-Factor nature of Project MAYBACH results not only from its breathtaking size (nearly 20 feet long) and characteristics. While Project MAYBACH was inspired by his creative efforts, the Mercedes-Benz teams thank Virgil Abloh for the inspiration to explore the power of cross-industry dialogue. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury car news and releases. Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 11, 2021

Mercedes-Maybach Announces Project MAYBACH With Virgil Abloh

Project MAYBACH: Mercedes-Benz and Abloh once again set a new benchmark in collaborative creativity and automotive-fashion-design crossovers Last year, the automotive and streetwear fashion worlds were shocked with the release of Project Geländewagen, featuring a one-of-one Mercedes-AMG G63 redesign with help from Virgil Abloh and Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener. The dynamic duo is back and proud to announce its newest collaboration with the Mercedes-Maybach division. At the peak of German automotive excellence, the Maybach name continues to present the “best of the best” with over 100-years of history since the first Maybach W 3 debut in 1921. MUST-READ: Project Geländenwagen By Mercedes-Benz x Virgil Abloh The new Project MAYBACH is set to feature a new collaborative effort that combines the creative styling of Virgil Abloh’s vision with the performance and technology that Mercedes-Maybach incorporates into each of its models. Alongside presenting the brand in a new fashion, Project MAYBACH will help to transform the brand into a luxury electric future. Although a specific vehicle is yet to be announced, it's safe to say that the highly-anticipated release will be followed closely by automotive and fashion enthusiasts of all kinds around the world. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more news on Project MAYBACH with Virgil Abloh and Garden Wagener. View all current Maybach examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Mercedes-Maybach For Sale Mercedes-Maybach Media/Info Source: Daimler

By Andrew Nabors – September 03, 2021

The SUV the Ultra-Rich are Buying: Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600

You might think AMG builds their most exclusive rides, but they can't deliver anything close to Maybach. Named for a brilliant engineer, your driver will appreciate the attention to detail. While it does share a few parts with the normal GLS, the 3rd row of seating is taken up by massive massaging buckets that have the ability to fold flat. With so many options related to comfort, the automaker has included a wireless tablet to have all systems within easy reach. Borrowing power from the G63, you will have 550 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. It's enough to reach 60 mph in 4.8 seconds thanks to help from the EQ system. Choosing between 22" or 23" wheels comes down to personal preference, they will ride smooth regardless thanks to E-Active body control. More leather and wood than you ever thought possible is along for the ride, and each passenger has their own climate zone. Every Maybach has offered incredible features, and this one even has a traffic light viewer. If you don't feel like keeping your eyes glued to the lights, the car zooms in on them and put them on the navigation screen. Instead of the ride control having a comfort mode, Maybach mode also softens the engine and steering responses to keep you disconnected from the world outside. Not wanting to park it for the Winter, Drake actually fitted his with a snow plow for year-round fun. View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Mercedes Maybach GLS 600s For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 12, 2021

2022 Mercedes-Maybach S680 Arrives With V12 Power

Batteries? We Dont Need Batteries! Electric cars are all the rage, but some of us demand the power and refinement that only a dozen cylinders can offer. Busy with the launches of the EQS and several crossovers, the 2022 Mercedes-Maybach S60 has arrived with V12 power. Wilhelm Maybach was a brilliant German engineer, and he joined forces with Mr. Daimler to build the first Mercedes in 1902. Since then, the Maybach name has been reserved for only their most exclusive models. In keeping with this tradition, the S60 has standard equimpment not offered by AMG. The most prominent piece being the engine. While horsepower and torque figures were not published, you can bet its healthy. The previous generation engine was discontinued to up their fuel economy numbers, so this clean-sheet design is pure excellence. It is the same V12 you can find in the Pagani Huayra if you dont need a big sedan, but if you need something unprecedented, click the button below and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Maybach news. Browse Mercedes-Maybach S-Class For Sale Images (C) Daimler

By Andrew Nabors – November 19, 2020

2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Has Arrived

Almost 140 years ago, two men joined forces to build reliable cars. Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach built cars for the wealthy, and their Mercedes-Benz models became a standard for the world. As such, their first brand is reserved for special occasions, so we are proud to announce the arrival of the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. We could write dozens of pages extolling the virtues of this classy sedan, but you probably know it is about to redefine what luxury motoring is for this decade. Starting with a new chassis, it is 7" longer than its predecessor. Given the expansive rear seating area, the powered rear doors open to reveal opulent executive seats. Adaptive lighting has modes for working, relaxation, and the ability to fine-tune the interior ambiance. Thanks to E-Active Body Control, a computer scans the road ahead to change the air suspension and shock absorbers before a bump can disturb the passengers. What's more, the rear-wheel steering system moves the center of rotation closer to the rear seats. This lowers the g-forces imparted to your guests. The refrigerator behind the armrest has two settings: 33.8 or 44.6 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on what you want to drink. " width="680"> No matter what solid color or 2-tone exterior you choose, the paint shop spends over a week on each car. A hybrid system stores 48 volts that power the suspension, AC compressor, and the suspension systems. A 21 horsepower motor/generator inside the 9-speed transmission allows for for efficient cruising and smooth shifting. Should the car detect a side impact, the system forces the car to jump. Nearly going airborne, it places the impact cross members at the perfect angle to absorb the crash. Our dealers stand ready to build you flagship, so click the button below and stay with us for a complete review of this amazing machine. Browse Mercedes-Maybach For Sale

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By Jordan Aquistapace – November 12, 2020

Mercedes-Benz Is On Scene At Augusta For The 2020 Masters

The 2020 Masters Tournament is the main stage for the top golfers around the world to showcase their talents and hope for a big win. The current COVID-19 pandemic has left the event postponed to November 12th-15th. Mercedes-Benz is playing a role as a sponsor, providing individual vehicles for the players, including the four participating brand ambassadors, for the week that they are in Augusta. The lifetime sport represents both comfort and performance, just as Mercedes-Benz incorporates into each vehicle within its lineup. A high-class course like Augusta calls for luxury vehicles to help best represent the game of golf, as well as the players that participate. Throughout the Masters, keep an eye out for Mercedes-Benz making its appearance on and off the course. Learn more about Mercedes-Benz’s involvement with The Masters by clicking the link below. Learn More Source: Mercedes-Benz USA

MAYBACH Accessoires - Inbegriff des „Ultimate Luxury“MAYBACH Accessories – “Ultimate Luxury" in its finest form

By Andrew Nabors – December 05, 2019

Mercedes-Maybach Holiday Gifts Unveiled

Wilhelm Maybach began building cars 110 years ago. Since then, each example has been delivered with unparalleled luxury and power. While most manufacturers offer winter tire sets and all-weather floor mats, Maybach owners demand the best for themselves and their chauffeurs. Now available at your local Maybach dealer, these stocking stuffers range from stylish eyewear, calfskin backpacks, purses, champagne flutes, and even an iPhone 10 integration module. Browse Mercedes-Maybach S560 For Sale The perfect accessories for your BRABUS 900 S650, or the new Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, they are available at your local dealer. Click the button above to find one near you and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Maybach updates. Related: 2019 Mercedes-Maybach Specs, Price, Photos & Review

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATICMercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC

By Andrew Nabors – November 21, 2019

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is Their First SUV

The world changed last night in Guangzhou. Not only does the world have a new player in the luxury SUV market, it won't be built in Germany. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is their first SUV, and each example will be assembled in Birmingham, Alabama. Much like their competitors at BMW, the U.S.-built models seem to have better paint and build-quality than their domestic builds. Much of what you need to know was unveiled in the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 that we covered yesterday. As expected, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS will arrive with nicer leather and more power, but the beauty is in the details. The air suspension shares almost no parts with lesser models, and it lowers slightly when the doors are open. The powered running boards are fabricated of anodized aluminum and feature LED illumination. The same 48-volt hybrid system found on the other GLS models will be coupled to a handbuilt Maybach V8. The 4-liter is rated at 558 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Browse All Mercedes Maybach GLS 600 For Sale Sadly, this is also the first Maybach without a provision for their legendary V12. Mercedes-AMG and Maybach have quietly dropped it from all production cars, except one remaining customer: Horacio Pagani. Tell us what you think of the latest Mercedes-Maybach in the comments below and stay with us for all your SUV news. " width="680"> Related: 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Price & Specs Revealed Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Edward Jones – February 13, 2018

2019 Mercedes-Maybach Specs, Price, Photos & Review

The 2019 Mercedes-Maybach's position at the top of Mercedes-Benz's lineup just got a little more individualized thanks to new touches made to the upcoming model year S 560 4MATIC and S 650 luxury cars.New GrilleMercedes has given their Maybach models a refreshed look that aims to make it more refined than before. In the front is a new radiator grille that consists of vertical slats, which was inspired by a pinstriped suit. Joining this new grille is an optional two-tone paint scheme, as well as new and exclusive interior color combinations.New 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Gets Massive Makeover Two-Tone ExteriorOrdering a Mercedes-Maybach will now include the option to add a two-tone paint scheme, which is available in nine different color combinations. For those opting for one of the dark colors that are available within the two-tone option, a double clear coat is available. This option will give the tones a piano lacquer effect, a brilliant surface and a "special impression of depth," according to Mercedes-Benz.2019 Mercedes-Maybach Specs Maybach S 560 4MATIC Maybach S 650 Number of cylinders/arrangement 8/V 12/V Displacement (cc) 3,982 5,980 Rated output (hp) 463 621 Rated torque (lb-ft) 516 738 Acceleration 0-60 mph (s) 4.8 4.6 Luxury Cars for Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 23, 2016

Revealed: The Armoured Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Guard

What you're looking at is the first civilian vehicle "certified with the highest ballistic protection level." So what exactly does that mean? This Maybach is both bullet and blast proof up to the highest, non-military standards. According to a Daimler press release, the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Guard has the ability to take fire from am assault rifle with steel core bullets.The new vehicle offers the protection that high profile riders might need, without compromising the comfort and class Mercedes is known for or the exclusivity that gives Maybach the prestige for which it is known. The S 600 Guard offers the esteemed Maybach 6.0-liter V12 bi-turbo.A special grade steel fills the gaps and cavities in the body and outer skin of the vehicle. The windows, which have been coated in polycarbonate, deter splintering and protect against gunfire.To protect against explosives, the vehicle also includes underbody armoring.The Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Guard will cost €470,000 with VAT in addition which translates to roughly $517,000 plus tax. So for half a million, the esteemed Maybach with incredible protection, could be yours.Maybach S 600s For Sale

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