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 22, 2019

Mercedes-AMG S65 Final Edition Heading to Geneva

Mercedes-Benz and their parents at Daimler are preparing for a massive presence at the Geneva Motor Show. We've covered the SL Grand Edition and the SLC Final Edition earlier this week, but we missed one sentence in their Geneva preview. Tucked away near the bottom is the sad news that a Mercedes-AMG S65 Final Edition will also be on display. Mercedes-Benz discontinued the V12 after the gas crises in the 70's, but it returned in 1991 in the 600S and SL models. But it looks like the 6.0L twin-turbo engine is on borrowed time. Much like the SLS AMG we covered yesterday, big German engines are an endangered species. We don't know what this means for the Mercedes-Maybach, or Pagani since they are based around this masterpiece. 2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Specs, Price, Photos & Review This also implies there will not be a new G65, as the 2020 G63 has incredible potential. Our hearts are heavy, this is like watching the last episode of MASH while holding back the tears. But this old friend is going out on top, with 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Get it while you can, as the 2019 (and hopefully 2020) examples of the SL65, S65 Sedan, Coupe, and Cabriolet are heading into the sunset. Click the link below to find an S65 near you and stay with us for all your AMG news. Shop Mercedes-AMG S65 For Sale " width="680"> Related: Facelift Changes for 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 and S65

By Andrew Nabors – September 20, 2018

Mercedes-AMG Project ONE in Final Testing

Innovation is never an easy process. That is why Mercedes-AMG has been developing their latest hypercar in the virtual world. But simulations are no substitute where the rubber meets the road. Their goal has been to build a street-legal Formula 1 hybrid. In a press release this morning, we've learned the car and its drivetrain are being pushed to the limit at the toughest tracks in the world. Much like the SLS AMG, it is an opportunity for AMG to build a supercar without the supervision of their Mercedes overlords. While camouflage is used to keep us from seeing the final shape, they mention how the screaming turbo V6 attracts attention from everyone in the vicinity. The 1.6-liter V6 and the hybrid drive have been flogged on the dynos at HPP in Brixworth. AMG's High-Performance Powertrain lab is where Aston Martin's V8 engines were developed, and it is also home to Mercedes' Formula 1 team. It will be rewarding to see their expertise in action, so stay with us for all your Project ONE updates. In the meantime, check out AMG's previous achievement, the SLS AMG in the link below.Browse SLS AMG For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 11, 2018

New 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Teased

It has only been 3 years since the launch of the first-generation GLE. It was offered as a 4-door coupe with a fastback roof, and an SUV with a traditional high roof. But in order to stay at the cutting edge of the SUV market, a new GLE was teased this morning.2018 Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG Specs, Photos, Price & ReviewIt will undoubtedly arrive with their updated interior technology. This includes swipe control pads on the steering wheel, active lane keeping, and intuitive control layout. Hopefully, we will receive the straight six engine from the E53 Hybrid. It uses a 48-volt energy storage system to assist in acceleration and braking.The best news is that production of the new model will start soon at Mercedes-Benz USA in Tuscaloosa. Along with the new Sprinter and the C-Class sedan, the plant has created thousands of jobs and exports their models around the world. Click the link below to find a GLE near you and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz updates.Browse Mercedes-Benz GLE For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 22, 2018

Mercedes-Benz Unveils 2019 E53 AMG Sedan

Until now, horsepower and fun have usually been sacrificed for efficiency. But Mercedes-Benz has literally shocked us with a press release this morning. The new E53 AMG uses a 48-volt electrical system to power an "EQ Boost" supercharger. Electric blowers are not a new concept, but they are inefficient at 12 volts, requiring more from the alternator than the power they added to the engine.Now the game has changed. The E53 sedan uses a 3.0 liter straight six and a conventional turbo to make 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. In addition to the 48-volt blower, the EQ boost generator also serves as the starter. It also performs hybrid functions like regenerative braking and adding torque in certain situations. This allows it to run 0-60 in 4.3 seconds with a computer-limited top speed of 130 mph. It will also be one of the few gas-powered luxury sedans to offer the fuel mileage of a hybrid. 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan (Euro spec)Don't be scared, the interior and all accessories are still 12v powered, from a solid-state MOSFET transformer. They must have reverse-engineered a Koenigsegg to see what makes it so efficient and reliable at the same time. The hybrid boost feature has the ability to add 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed, and it will make this AWD sedan the ultimate sleeper. The only way it could be better is with plug-in charging and an HV battery, but Mercedes-Benz is saving that for their full electric future. Production will begin soon in Affalterbach, and they will arrive by the end of summer. Until then, take a look at these great deals on the E63 AMG from our dealers.Browse Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG For Sale 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan (Euro spec)

By Andrew Nabors – May 14, 2018

Mercedes-Benz Unveils AMG GT S Roadster

Just in time for summer, this new Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster is a hotter version of their gorgeous convertible. Starting with a revised suspension, stiffer shocks and springs will keep the aluminum spaceframe composed at speeds over 190 mph.2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R Becomes Fastest F1 Safety CarThe AMG GT S fills the gap in performance between the GT and GT C models. While all examples use the 4.0-liter twin turbo V8, the GT S is rated at 515 horsepower and 494 lb-ft of torque. The factory claims a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds with 192 mph top speed. The rear-mounted 7-speed transmission is connected to the engine by a torque tube. Running the length of the cockpit, it also serves to add torsional strength to the car.The GT S does offer the variable exhaust of the GT C, but rear wheel steering and Nappa leather are not available. The best news is that the AMG Ride Control active suspension is standard equipment. With performance like this, it would be a hard choice between the AMG GT series and the traditional SL, so tell us which roadster you would choose in the comments below.Sultan of Brunei & His 5,000 Car CollectionThe Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster will be ready for purchase in the U.S. at dealers by late 2018. Pricing will also be available as we draw closer to the car's launch.Browse Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 09, 2018

Mercedes-Benz Opens First AMG Speedway in South Korea

Tensions are cooling after six decades of a ceasefire on the Korean peninsula. So investing in South Korea is quickly becoming a sure bet. That is why Mercedes-Benz has announced the new AMG Speedway in a press release this morning. South Korea has been an important market for AMG's high-performance models, so this 2.6-mile track is located only 23 miles from Seoul.The facility includes areas for new model introductions, driving instruction and the AMG Lounge. CEO of Mercedes-AMG Tobias Moers had this to say: "The AMG Speedway is the world's first racetrack bearing our name. This underlines the importance of South Korea as one of our main markets.The AMG Speedway is thus not only an important step in the further dynamic development of AMG in South Korea. It also stands for the strategic expansion of our face-to-face communication. Customers and fans can experience the essence of our brand here first hand”. What was South Korea's first racetrack was reconfigured to have 17 turns and a bridge over the ground of the Everland theme park on the outskirts of Seoul. It should make for great racing, so stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz and AMG news. If you want to experience the best of AMG without traveling the globe, click the link below for great deals on the AMG GT. Browse AMG GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 08, 2018

Mercedes-AMG Unveils GT 63 S Edition 1

The success of a new car depends on a flawless introduction, so Mercedes-AMG has pulled out all the stops for the new AMG GT. In a press release issued this morning, we have learned the details of the new AMG GT 63 S Edition 1. This limited production edition is only available on the most powerful model, the AMG GT 63 S. It is powered by a handbuilt 4.0 liter V8 with twin turbos. At your command will be 630 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. The manufacturer also claims a 0-60 time of 3.1 seconds, very snappy for a full-size sedan! Like their other Edition 1 cars, this one will have unique upgrades not available to lesser models. First is the AMG Aerodynamics Package. It has an imposing front splitter with a matching rear diffuser. The rear spoiler is adjustable for track days, and the 21" cross-spoke wheels are a forged one-piece design. The stunning exterior is finished in designo Graphite Grey Magno. Inside, you are treated to Dinamica microfiber with yellow accents. Magma Grey Nappa leather with yellow contrast stitching makes for a performance-themed cockpit. The Air-Balance system comes preloaded with "AMG #63" fragrance, which hopefully smells like race fuel or burned rubber. If you are curious about how you can get in on the action, click the link below and stay with us for all your AMG updates! Browse Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 03, 2018

Mercedes-Benz Unveils 300 SL Restoration Parts

Restoring a classic can be painful when it comes to replacement parts. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is one of the most iconic automobiles ever made, which is why they deserve the best when it comes to parts. Obviously, your local dealer hasn't had anything on the shelf since 1957, so a press release last night outlines a series of new parts for the classic W198 chassis "Gullwing" SL.My background is in the restoration parts business, and my former employer thought his formula for American parts would work well for German cars. Well, the problem is that German car owners and their repair shops are a bit more demanding when it comes to quality. That is why Mercedes-Benz has stepped up and allowed the construction of highly specialized tooling for the 300 SL. The entire car was 3D scanned inside and out, and the new parts were made in VR before the first panel was stamped.The press release includes the first six parts, along with their prices: Front panelling left (A198 620 03 09 40), 11,900 euros Front panelling right (A198 620 04 09 40), 11,900 euros Rear panelling left (A198 640 01 09 40), 14,875 euros Rear panelling right (A198 640 02 09 40), 14,875 euros Rear-end center section (A198 647 00 09 40), 2,975 euros Rear-end floor (A198 640 00 61 40), 8,925 euros These sheet metal parts come out of the press ready to go, but in keeping with tradition, they are hammered with wood mallets over a die to ensure an exact fit. These six parts are just the first in a series of classic SL parts, so if you need guidance on your restoration please call our friends at Gullwing Motor Cars for more info.You won't find attention to detail like this anywhere in the restoration industry, so we hope other manufacturers will follow suit. If you have been dreaming of a classic SL, click the link below and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz updates.Browse Mercedes-Benz SL For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 27, 2018

Mercedes-AMG Unveils 2019 C63

As their best selling models, the Mercedes-AMG C-Class must have no equal in the automotive world. That's why their press release earlier today has everyone smiling. The new Mercedes-AMG C63 will arrive with two flavors of twin turbo V8. Buyers can choose from either 469 or 503 horsepower engines across three body styles.2019 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe and Cabriolet RevealedCEO Tobias Moers said: "The AMG C-Class is our best-selling model series and therefore a key cornerstone of our company's success of recent years. We have therefore increasingly expanded our C-Class offer: customers can now choose between twelve Mercedes-Benz models from the C-Class family globally. As part of the latest facelift, we have upgraded all variants of the model series even more substantially. This relates to the 43-series models and especially, of course, to the AMG C 63. The perfected driving dynamics and expressive design underscore the powerful, muscular character of the rear-wheel drive icon."Mercedes-AMG Unveils GT 4-Door Coupe In GenevaThe instrument cluster is all digital, and it contains more information than any AMG has before. A Warm Up mode shows fluid temperatures and bleeds off boost until the systems are ready to go. G-Force monitors, lap recorders are included with torque and horsepower output. Six driving modes range from slippery to RACE and Individual, the latter can be customized for even the most discerning driver.Browse Mercedes-AMG C63 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 12, 2018

Mercedes Benz G-Class Encased in 44 Tons of Amber

Think about the most breathtaking display you have ever seen an at an auto show, and get ready to be amazed. The Detroit auto show is almost upon us, which means manufacturers from around the world will be fighting your attention.Everyone knows the new G-Wagen will be a star of the show, so expect to see a few examples of its predecessors. It has been in production since 1979, known as the Geländewagen. It means cross-country wagon in English since it has 3 locking differentials with enough gear reduction to pull a building up a hill.Michael Fux AMG Black Series Collection Heading To AuctionWhen an automaker chooses to display historical versions, you can bet they have tight security around them. Instead of a guard or a velvet rope, Mercedes-Benz chose another method to protect one of the first examples. The 1979 G Wagon heading to Detroit has been permanently cast into 44 tons of amber. Instead of using natural resources, a synthetic resin was poured around the vehicle and allowed to harden. This monolith measures 18' long by 10' high, and it took 90 days to cool.The logistics of transporting something like this make us wonder what will happen to it after the show. Perhaps the fossilized 4x4 will be found in the distant future, and its DNA will be used to clone a new generation of rugged luxury SUVs. Stay with us for a review of the new G-Class along with complete coverage of the Detroit Auto Show.Browse G Class For Sale

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