McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

Mercedes-Benz News

Mercedes-Benz news fromduPont REGISTRY News, updated daily, covering the S-Class, the Maybach range, the AMG models, the G-Class and the electric line-up. Our reporting takes in reveals, first drives, bespoke builds and the auction results that set collector values. Mercedes-Benz competes across more segments than almost any rival, so the news here runs unusually wide. Our marketplace supplies the part most publications leave out entirely. A great many of these cars are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which puts a review and a real asking price side by side. For Mercedes-Benz news today, and the luxury car market news around it, start here.

By Andrew Nabors – December 14, 2015

2017 Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet Unveiled

If you haven’t had an opportunity to drive a new S-Class coupe, you are doing yourself a disservice. They are solid & quiet machines with aesthetics unmatched in 2-door motoring. Back in September we were teased with topless versions of the S63 in 4MATIC trim, and we figured that the twin turbo V8 with AWD would be more than enough to twist the chassis. But in a press release this morning, the mad scientists in Affalterbach have done the unthinkable. Exterior: Anthracite Blue, Interior: Leather PorcelaineTwelve-cylinder engines are big, but they make great power. Turbochargers are also great ways to make power, but they are also hard to package into a cramped engine bay. Using the S63 Cabriolet as a solid base, they have skillfully produced one of the most potent convertibles of all time. The new Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet will arrive loaded with more safety and luxury than we have ever seen.Those pleasantries require motivation, so 6.0-liter V12 peaks at 630 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to having more torque than most locomotives, the 4MATIC AWD system will not be available. In its place are a host of safety and stability features, including PRE-SAFE PLUS. If an impact is imminent, the brakes are locked and belts are tensioned to minimize injury. Autonomous lane keeping and braking make highway driving a breeze, and the top of speed of 155 mph can be raised to 186 with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.For every good convertible, there are a dozen bad ones. Even if the weather is perfect, many drop-tops are plagued by cowl-shake and obesity when compared to their hardtop brethren. This is one area where the German engineers offer no quarter. High-strength steels along with magnesium and aluminum make for a body shell that is just as stiff as the S-Class coupe, without gaining any weight. Interior: Leather PorcelaineStarting with a solid foundation, no amenity was overlooked. For chilly mornings, the AIRSCARF sends warm air down your back and the new AIRCAP wind protection system keeps cockpit turbulence to a minimum. Seats are trimmed in designo exclusive nappa leather with contrast stitching. Looking up, the triple layer top is also trimmed in nappa leather along with DINAMICA microfiber.Pricing has yet to be released, but as soon as we have more details, you will see it first here on Autofluence.AMG S65's For SaleGallery (Source: Daimler via Mercedes-AMG)

By Christina Avila – December 11, 2015

Mercedes-Benz S400 Coupe Model Added to S-Class Lineup

If Mercedes-Benz knows one thing it's how to design an incredible vehicle, so it's no surprise the S-Class Coupe has been showered in praise since its debut over a year ago. The innovative coupe has received prestigious accolades like the iF Product Design Award 2015 as well as AutoScout24's Europe-wide Internet Auto Award. So how do the masters of German engineering plan to top this award-winning sports car? The answer is the new S400 4Matic Coupe.According to a press release issued by the brand today, the S400 4Matic is joining 5 older siblings in the S-Class Coupe family- ranging from the S500 to the S65 AMG. Powered by a V6 engine, the car produces 367 horsepower and can reach speeds upwards of 155 mph. This power is transferred to asphalt through the standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. However, the perks of the new S400 aren't just limited to performance ability.Even the darkest roads will be illuminated thanks to the LED Intelligent Light System, which features variable light distribution for every type of roadway, as well as specific functions for active driving and cornering. Inside, everything can be controlled with the state-of-the-art COMAND Online multimedia system.Pricing for the S400 4Matic Coupe starts at €99,960, about $110,000 at the exchange rate of during time of publication.Mercedes' For Sale(Source: Daimler)

By Christina Avila – December 02, 2015

2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe in Designo Magno Alanite...

Last year we met the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe, one of the most powerful contenders in the S-Class range. A shining example of Mercedes-Benz’ masterful pairing of performance and luxury, the S65 AMG is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine. The 621 hp output is responsible for a 0-60 mph time of just 4 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph.If you’re on the hunt for a car that’s thrillingly fast and equally reliable like this one, look no further than Mercedes-Benz of Tampa. It’s there you’ll find a sleek matte Designo Magno Alanite Gray version of this beast, complete with quilted black leather interior and technological trappings abound. Included are a state of the art COMAND navigation and entertainment system, night vision lights, distance pacing cruise control and much more.This S65 isn’t without its AMG perks either. Every twist and turn is easily controlled thanks to the AMG Performance Steering Wheel and AMG Carbon Ceramic Braking System.Ready to become a king of the road? Click the button below to learn more about this S65 AMG Coupe.Price and DetailsGallery

By Andrew Nabors – November 11, 2015

Why the Mercedes-Maybach S600 Should Be Your Next Car

Everyone knows eight cylinder engines make great power, but it wasn't too long ago when something more was needed. Having four more cylinders offers power in any situation, along with a smoothness that comes from having an extra two cylinders firing simultaneously.Mercedes-Benz and their parent Daimler have been building twelve-cylinder power for decades, and their latest creation is nothing short of amazing. Sure, you can have amazing power with a V8, or even a twin turbo V6, but even as advanced as they are, you need to dig into the accelerator to get them into their powerband. The beauty of a V12 is that it makes power everywhere on the tachometer. There is something rewarding about barely tapping the pedal and being rewarded with power.While V12s often make more power than you could need, Mercedes decided it was best to add two turbochargers to ward off any potential competitors. This proven formula has been the powerplant of the S65 AMG for years now, but now it is available in a Maybach-quality package. In the Mercedes-Maybach S600, you have one of the world's finest engines with extraordinary features.The new Mercedes-Maybach S600 is essentially a detuned S65, minus a few of the wild options. For under $200,000, the Mercedes-Maybach S600 offers 523 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque wrapped in more safety and luxury than any sedan in this segment. Executive seats in the rear allow passengers to recline with powered footrests, while a "chauffeur position" setting adds an additional three inches of leg space for those sitting behind the front passenger seat.Air within the cabin is ionized, filtered and misted with a light fragrance, while most all features can be controlled from the touchpad COMAND system. A Burmester Surround Sound System provides any level of sound quality desired, turning this car into a luxury lounge on the move.The next best driver's feature after the engine is Magic Sky Control. Two forward facing cameras feed a stereoscopic view of the road ahead to the suspension system, which adjusts shock and spring firmness before the car reaches uneven pavement. The result is a powerful sedan that rewards you with the smoothest ride on the market.And if you need to leave in a hurry, the accelerator can be called upon to reach 60 mph from a standstill in 4.5 seconds on your way to an electronically limited 155 mph. The soundtrack of the V12 is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Whereas the V8 sounds raucous and unrestrained in a wide-open launch, the V12 emits a low-pitched thunder accompanied by copious tire smoke.Even if you don't choose to buy one, it's worth your time to visit your local Mercedes-Benz dealer and experience one for yourself. For more information, click the button below to see S600s for sale from our dealers.S600s For Sale Coral Gables, Florida Buy Now Miami, Florida Buy Now Barrington, Illinois Buy Now East Hills, New York Buy Now Greenwich, Connecticut Buy Now

By Edward Jones – September 17, 2015

2015 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe For Sale

Up for sale on duPontREGISTRY.com is this 2015 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe, a model that combines the elegance of a sedan with the sportiness of a coupe.Its exterior is finished in silver paint, while the contrasting cabin features a black leather interior. It is offered with the all-wheel drive system, which is standard in the United States. Power comes from a poised AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine that boasts 577 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. When this power, the 4MATIC drive system and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sport transmission are all combined, numbers and the car start to fly.Mercedes estimates the S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe’s 0-60 mph time to be 3.9 seconds and notes that the car’s top speed is electronically limited at a hair-raising 186 mph. It's ready for a new owner, with only 3,000 miles on the odometer.See PriceGallery Sponsored Post See More Cars For Sale

By Caitlin Duffy – September 02, 2015

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet & S 63 4MATIC Cabriolet

It's been 44 years since Mercedes-Benz produced a model bearing the S-Class Cabriolet name, but it's back for 2016 and looking more beautiful and sleek than ever. Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse Cabrio ( A 217 ) 2015.S 500, Selenitgrau, Interieur: Leder porzellan/tiefseeblauIn addition to releasing full photos of the S-Class Cabriolet today, Mercedes-Benz also announced that the new S 63 4MATIC Cabriolet will also appear at the Frankfurt International Auto Show, which begins Sept. 17. The S-Class Cabriolet's return was first announced Aug. 25, but this is the first official mention of another Cabriolet's introduction.The arrival of these two models marks the first time in nearly half a century that an open-top four-seat model exists in the S-Class range, and each makes an irrefutable argument for their presence.Not much information was shared about the anticipated price or performance figures of the S-Class Cabriolet, but it is set to feature some of Mercedes-Benz's newest and best technology. Particularly noteworthy is the intelligent climate control system. With most convertibles, it's common to require separate climate settings for when the top is closed or open. On the new Cabriolet, 12 sensors and 18 actuators keep track of the sun's strength, while a dewpoint sensor checks for humidity, and the climate control settings are automatically adjusted accordingly.The S 63 4MATIC had more information shared about its performance numbers, which make this seem like it'll be one of the best open top cars for a Sunday cruise that Mercedes-Benz has ever crafted. A 5.5-liter V8 birturbo engine creates 585 hp and 663 lb-ft, pushing its 0-62 mph acceleration time down to 3.9 seconds.(See Also: New BRABUS 600 Based on C63 AMG)Check out the photos of these two new releases below and the video above, and stay with us for information, including pricing, as it is released. If you can't quite wait for the early 2016 release of these models, find yourself a Mercedes-Benz today from our exclusive listings.Mercedes-Benzs For SaleGallery (Source: Mercedes-Benz, YouTube) See More Mercedes-Benz News

By Edward Jones – August 25, 2015

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet Returns After 44 Years

Back in 1961, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet came into the world as an elegant, open-top four-seater. It was in production up until 1971, the year when the German marque put the luxury cabriolet into hibernation.Today, 44 years later, Mercedes-Benz has introduced the new S-Class Cabriolet to the world in a press release."After 44 years we can again offer friends of our company an open variant of the S‑Class. The new S-Class Cabriolet symbolises our passion for individual and timelessly exclusive mobility, which we share with our customers," said Ola Källenius, Board Member of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales.(Related: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 and C63 S Coupe Revleaed)The press release introducing the car is low on details, but it does tell us that it will come with the AIRCAP enhanced automatic wind protection system, AIRSCARF heating system for your neck, heated armrests, rear seat heating and intelligent fully automatic climate control. Mercedes seems to be pulling out all the stops to ensure the passenger's comfort level in all temperatures.They only included one picture of the car in the press release, but they plan on giving the S-Class Cabriolet a full debut at the 2015 International Motorshow in Frankfurt, which starts Sept. 17. Be sure to check back with us for more information on the car as we draw closer to the Frankfurt auto show.Mercedes' For Sale(Source: Mercedes-Benz) See More Mercedes-Benz News, Pics and Videos

By Edward Jones – June 12, 2015

BRABUS Refines the Mercedes-Maybach S600, Ups power to 90...

The new Mercedes-Maybach S600 is a spacious vehicle that epitomizes luxury and performance. But the performance Mercedes-Maybach provided just wasn't enough for BRABUS.In a Facebook post made by BRABUS today, they detailed their take on the S600.Utilizing the BRABUS Rocket 900's twin-turbo 6.3-liter V12 engine, the power of the S600 is ramped up from 523 hp to 900 hp with 1,106 lb-ft of torque. This allows the 214.7-inch long car to hit a top speed of 217+ mph.(Related: The 500 hp BRABUS PowerXtra B50 Hybrid Unveiled)Like all BRABUS vehicles, this one also comes with added luxury. The BRABUS Monoblock "PLATINUM EDITION" 21-inch forged wheels add flavor to the car's exterior. On its inside, Alcantara, precious wood and carbon fiber abound, along with the BRABUS "iBusiness" high-tech multimedia system.Stay with us for more BRABUS news just like this.Gallery (Source: Facebook) Click Here For More Aftermarket News

By Andrew Nabors – May 20, 2015

BRABUS Rocket 900 on the Dyno

Back in March our friends at Brabus announced their intentions to unleash their engineers upon the new Mercedes-Benz S65. What resulted was christened the Brabus Rocket 900. You can read the full rundown of this powerhouse in our March 2 article, but, in short, by stroking the V12 from 6.0-liter to 6.3-liter and installing leviathan turbochargers, they created a 900 hp monster with 1,106 lb-ft of torque.That level of power will shatter any transmission, so careful tuning is required to keep the 7 speed automatic alive. In a video uploaded to their YouTube page May 20, the Rocket 900 can be seen running through the gears on their chassis dyno. Like a madman in a straightjacket, the Rocket is barely restrained by the hold-downs.(See Also: CEO On-The-Go: LCW Automotive's 2015 Escalade ESV CEO)For the production versions, torque is dialed back to a “reasonable” 884 lb-ft. For approximately $390,000, you will have the most powerful production sedan ever built.Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article stated the original engine size was a 5.5-liter. It has since been edited to reflect the accurate size of 6.0-liters.Gallery (Source: YouTube) See More Aftermarket News

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