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 – February 19, 2020

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe Revealed With More Power

European Automakers are in a mad dash to comply with the upcoming mandate. The EU wants every passenger vehicle to have some form of a hybrid system when a new generation launches. That is how and why the new 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe has been revealed with more power. This mid-cycle refresh has more aggressive lines and a larger chrome grille. The AMG Night Package is optional, offering tinted windows along with black mirrors and rocker panels. Under the hood is their latest 48-volt motor/generator. It can add 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Also being able to apply load on the engine, it saves on brake wear while improving city mileage. 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Price & Specs It is attached to their latest 4.0L twin-turbo that offers 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque on its own. AMG Performance 4MATIC+ can send all power to any wheel that has grip. Other goodies include locking differentials, 15.7" brakes, and triple-chamber air suspension. Click the link below to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG news. Browse All Mercedes-AMG GLE For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 23, 2020

Mercedes Unimog Climbs World's Highest Volcano

Ernest Hemingway often said there are only 3 real sports: Bullfighting, Motor Racing, and Mountain Climbing. No matter what you believe, conquering a mountain is a daunting test of humans and their machines. For 70 years it has been the workhorse of the brand, and to celebrate in style the Mercedes Unimog climbed the world's highest volcano. Given the mountain's propensity for exploding, it was named Ojos del Salado. The eyes of salt are toxic lakes around the summit, just another hazard aside from the altitude of 22,615 feet. In order to measure the seismic activity, Chilean geologists needed to deliver three new emergency transponders on the way to the top. Mercedes Shows Off New Unimogs Since 1948, Mercedes has sold Unimogs to armies, Arnold, and anyone who needed the ultimate utility truck. To prove its abilities, once the team delivered the equipment, they pushed on to reach a new world record. Both trucks topped out at 21,961 feet without breaking a sweat. Browse All Mercedes-Benz G-Class Because it is so tough, dealers demanded a softer version and the G-Wagen was launched in 1979. Click the button above to find yours, and stay with us for all your Mercedes news. Related: 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Price & Specs

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

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 Andrew Nabors – October 23, 2019

Mercedes-Benz: 60 Years of Crash Tests

Celebrating attributes like performance and style is trivial when compared to safety. Since September 10, 1959, one company has sacrificed over 14,000 cars in the name of safety. So let's look back at Mercedes-Benz through 60 years of crash tests. After the war, Germany was expanding the Autobahn with unrestricted speeds. The problem is that they did not have on-ramps. Many Autobahn entrances were simple right-hand turns. Browse All Mercedes-Benz For Sale This caused unfortunate drivers to get smashed before they could get up to speed. So here's to Mercedes-Benz for pioneering several safety systems. After all, it is hard to have repeat business if the customer dies.

By Andrew Nabors – September 12, 2019

AMG Driving Academy is Aimed at Swedish Lapland

Even though we are looking down the barrel at three Atlantic disturbances, the first snow has dusted Utah, Nevada, Colorado, and Wyoming. No matter your view on climate change, driving on ice is fun once learned. In order to hone your cold-weather responses, the AMG Driving Academy is aimed at Swedish Lapland. Browse AMG GT For Sale Once the lakes freeze over around Arjeplog, the AMG instructors will carve several courses across the 3.6 million square feet. That is 47 soccer fields of courses named after famous tracks. Beginners will start in the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S. Then it is on to the C 63 S Coupe for twin-turbo V8 training. The AMG GT S will be fun on the ice, and the experience culminates in the AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+. To make sure your Golf is on-point, Robert Baker will be on hand as the only Golf Pro above the Arctic Circle. Hot laps with DTM drivers Benard Schnieder and Maro Engel will provide expert instruction throughout the week. To see if you might be up for it, click the link above to find an AMG GT S near you and get behind the wheel. Trust me, you won't regret it. Your Mercedes-AMG dealer has all the info on this year's trip, so get your tickets booked for this limited event. Stay with us for all your AMG news. Related: Bugatti Chiron Snow Drifting is the Ultimate Winter Experience Linkin Park Tears the AMG GT S Through Snow

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

By Andrew Nabors – June 06, 2019

2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Shooting Brake Unveiled

Don't call it a wagon or a 5-door crossover, because this combines the best features of both. Earlier this morning the 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Shooting Brake was unveiled. It is the 5th model in the A-Class lineup, and it packs a punch. The 2.0L turbo four sends 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. The 4MATIC system can send all the power where it is needed at an instant. To keep the turbo spinning, engineers shortened the gear ratios inside the 7-speed dual clutch transmission. It would be fun to have to have a pure RWD experience, but only 50% of torque can be sent rearward. Although they see it as a benefit, the ignition pauses for a split second during shifts to prevent wear on the clutches. Search Our Entire Inventory of Exotic Cars Despite these compromises, the Shooting Brake will be popular thanks to the styling and versatility. The longer roof adds stiffness to the rear chassis, and it offers more cargo room for family outings. Because the rear is stronger than the sedan, engineers also added a shear plate and chassis braces to the front suspension. The result is a comfortable ride with incredible handling. The press release didn't mention if it would be sold in the U.S., so our dealers can answer that question for you. Click the link below to find a CLA near you and stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG news. Browse Mercedes-AMG CLA For Sale Related: Brabus 800 Revealed Dr. Z Retires From Mercedes-Benz

By Andrew Nabors – February 27, 2019

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Unveiled

We saw a preview of the new Mercedes-Benz GLE class last year at the Paris Auto Show. The 4th-Generation GLE will be arriving soon, and it blends efficiency and luxury into an everyday SUV. The base model will offer a turbocharged four, so not much excitement in acceleration. So if you need something with power, the Mercedes-AMG 53 has just been unveiled. Hooray at the return of straight-six power. Turbo V6 engines have been the status quo for a few years, but many manufacturers are realizing why the straight-six powered most cars for over half a century. It is smooth, much cheaper to build, and it has incredible low end torque. This means you won't have to wait for the turbos to spool if you need acceleration. The GLE 53 takes it to another level by adopting a 48-volt mild hybrid system. A healthy electric motor between the engine and transmission is used as a starter, and as a generator for a small electric supercharger. This tiny blower spins up the turbo instantly, adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Another technology from the old days is gliding mode. It decouples the engine from the driveline when coasting to save on fuel. A total of 450 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque offers a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds. Incredible numbers from a 3.0L six cylinder, so click the link below to find our dealer near you. Shop Mercedes-Benz GLE Class Related: Mercedes-AMG S65 Final Edition Heading to Geneva Why You Should Buy a Mercedes-AMG G63

By Andrew Nabors – February 22, 2019

Why You Should Buy a Mercedes-AMG G63

If you haven't heard, the new Mercedes-AMG G-Class shares nothing with its predecessor. Every G550 and G63 rode on solid axles, with styling that was introduced in 1979. Because the new Geländewagen has been long overdue, this is why you should buy a Mercedes-AMG G63. The only thing it shares with the previous example is a name. Since this was an opportunity for a clean -sheet redesign they started with a modern chassis. The old G Wagen had a solid front axle. While they were common on every 4WD until the 90's, the new model arrived with independent front suspension. Not only is the ride more comfortable, it makes the SUV much safer on the street. If you are waiting for a new G65, don't hold your breath. The big V12 is being retired, so the G63 now reigns supreme as the top-level G-Class. As such, it offers 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque from a 4.0L twin turbo V8. The low-range transfer case has been replaced by AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Torque distribution is locked 40/60 front to rear to remain capable in bad terrain. This is further enhanced by the addition of "Sand, Trail & Rock" modes to the AMG Dynamic drive system. The last three are not offered on the G550. With a new foundation, it was time to bring the interior into the modern era. The G63 has the same brilliant displays found in the S-Class, and air vents that resemble ramjet intakes. Because the body incorporates high-strength aluminum in many places, it is quiet and less top-heavy than before. Overall the body is shorter and wider, and it offers more cargo space than before. We could go on for days describing how the new G63 is unlike anything else on the road, but the experience speaks for itself. Our dealers will be happy to show you what it can do, so click the link below and stay with us for all your G-Class news. Shop Mercedes-AMG G63 Related: 2018 Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 Squared Specs, Photos, Price & Review Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 Squared: High & Mighty

Mercedes-Benz News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe