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 Tyler Rampersaud – December 04, 2024

1-of-100 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Motorsport Collectors Ed...

The new Mercedes-AMG SL takes one of the most respected, iconic performance-oriented nameplates in Mercedes-Benz’s long, storied history and revolutionizes it. Its retractable soft top, range of high-performance powertrains, and stunning style make it the next evolution of a Mercedes legend, and the flagship variant of it is the Mercedes-AMG SL 63. Its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine boasts a compelling 577 horsepower, and sending that horsepower to all four wheels renders the top-of-the-line SL a thrilling performance machine by any standard. View Price And Listing However, those who are truly passionate about Mercedes-AMG performance will enjoy the added exclusivity of the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Motorsport collectors edition. With a special livery whose design is inspired by the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 cars, as well as legendary performance vehicles like the Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar and the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Project One Edition, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Motorsport Collectors Edition is a head-turning high-performance icon. With only 100 examples, it’s one of the most exclusive ways to enjoy the Mercedes-AMG SL 63’s automotive excellence, and one of those examples is available at Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, Arizona. If you are looking for an exclusive milestone statement of AMG motorsport excellence, this 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Motorsport Collectors Edition for sale is the car for you. View the price and listing by clicking the button.

Mercedes Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series Red Ambience

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 16, 2024

New 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series Converti...

A new open-top masterpiece expands the Maybach lineup. Fairly recently, Mercedes-Benz announced that it would focus more on its “Top-End” offerings, meaning AMG models, Maybach models, and models like the S-Class and G-Class. The historic luxury manufacturer even hinted at a new marque, specifically for limited-production collector’s cars called Mythos, which is set to come to fruition soon. However, at Monterey Car Week, Mercedes-Benz revealed a new addition to its ultra-luxe Maybach lineup: the new 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series. Introduced as an AMG-exclusive model, this is the first Maybach variant of the SL, the first Maybach convertible since the S 650 Cabriolet, and the sportiest Maybach yet. Powered by a 577-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, its powertrain will ring a bell for anyone familiar with the Mercedes-AMG SL 63. What sets the Maybach SL apart is its special suspension and engine mount tuning, comfort-oriented sound insulation, and transmission oriented towards comfort and smooth driving. The 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system in the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series also prioritizes traction, safety, comfort, and confidence, and teams with standard rear-axle steering. Two elegant and unmistakably Maybach configurations will be available for the new SL 680: Red Ambience and White Ambience. The Red Ambience design pairs two-tone Obsidian Black metallic with MANUFAKTUR Garnet Red Metallic, while the White Ambience design pairs the same Obsidian Black color with MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Magno instead. Inside, MANUFAKTUR Crystal White Exclusive Nappa leather and silver chrome accents highlight the ultra-luxe ethos of the new open-top Maybach cruiser. Maybach lettering, Maybach patterns, and exclusive 21-inch Maybach wheels help remind the driver of the exclusivity of their sumptuous machine throughout, and even the soft top features a Maybach pattern in the fabric. With its V8 engine and serene design, the new 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is an ode to classic dream ultra-luxe convertibles that most car enthusiasts would think are vestiges of a long-gone golden age. However, when the sumptuous new two-seater hits U.S. Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the second half of 2025, that golden age will live on in the form of a new Maybach masterpiece. View All Mercedes-AMG SL 63s For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 12, 2023

New Hybrid Mercedes-AMG SL 63 E-PERFORMANCE: The Most Pow...

Hybrid performance electrifies the legendary SL name. With a legacy that includes cars like the legendary 300 SL Gullwing, the “SL” name is an important one in Mercedes-Benz history. Today, the SL is an AMG-exclusive roadster, boasting potent powertrains, head-turning looks, and a convertible soft top. However, something new is being added to the mix, as Mercedes-AMG is taking the SL’s performance to new heights with a hybrid model. Various models throughout the AMG lineup have seen the introduction of plug-in hybrid E-PERFORMANCE variants, which use electrification to futuristically elevate the performance, offering added power, torque, and efficiency. These new E-PERFORMANCE AMG models have been some of AMG’s most powerful yet, and the SL is now a part of that club, with Mercedes-AMG’s unveiling of the new SL 63 E-PERFORMANCE, which is the most powerful SL yet. With AMG’s hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, as well as an AMG Electric drive unit that contributes a peak 201 horsepower, the total system power of the new SL is 805 horsepower, with the torque totaling to 1,047 lb/ft. With all wheel drive, and the electric drive system’s assistance of the rear axle, the new SL 63 E-PERFORMANCE’s 0-60 time is a blistering 2.8 seconds. However, rear-axle steering and active roll stabilization ensure that the new hybrid SL boasts more than just straight line performance. In fact, the SL 63 E-PERFORMANCE’s hybrid technology is inspired by that of Mercedes-AMG’s F1 race cars, with a battery that combines high performance and low weight. The new hybrid SL’s MBUX infotainment system is equipped with hybrid-specific displays and controls to help drivers visualize and understand the electrification’s impact on the roadster’s performance and efficiency, and carbon ceramic brakes with 6-piston calipers at the front ensure that the stopping power matches the immense power driving this new hybrid performance roadster forward, at speeds up to an electronically limited 196 mph. With the combination of beautiful looks, open top driving joy, AMG craftsmanship, electrified innovation, and the most power a Mercedes-Benz SL has ever seen before, the new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 E-PERFORMANCE is an incredible new addition to AMG’s burgeoning hybrid lineup. View All Mercedes-AMG SL 63s For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

mercedes amg sl 63 manufaktur big sur.jpg

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 16, 2023

Mercedes-AMG Unveils The Limited Edition SL 63 MANUFAKTUR...

Bold colors and an open top pay homage to the iconic location.

By Gabriel Vega – February 28, 2023

2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Review: Made You Look

Based on the AMG GT, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 combines a powerful engine and a capable chassis to turn a GT into a sports car.

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 13, 2023

The New Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Motorsport Collectors Edition ...

Racing livery inspiration and AMG power make this a true collector’s dream. If you didn’t get a chance to get your hands on the elusive Mercedes-AMG ONE or its companion Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Project ONE Edition, of course, offered exclusively to soon-to-be owners of the unparalleled F1-derived hybrid hypercar, then this new stunning collector’s performance machine may just be the one to set your sights on. It’s the “Motorsport Collectors Edition” of the Mercedes-AMG SL 63, and unlike its counterparts, it offers the ever-exhilarating top-down driving experience. MUST READ: Mercedes-Benz Sold Over 350,000 Cars In The U.S. In 2022 What makes it similar to the AMG ONE and AMG GT Black Series Project ONE Edition is that it’s an homage to Mercedes-AMG’s Formula 1 team. Commemorating the end of the season, this incredibly special SL is decorated with a similar livery to the race car, with a color gradient from silver at the front to black at the back, with a Mercedes-Benz star pattern adorning the back. Just like the other cars that are decorated like this, the Motorsport Collectors Edition SL 63 features bright teal accents that indicate the involvement of PETRONAS. As for the car itself, it is equipped with a special aerodynamics package that helps reduce drag, improve downforce, and at the bottom line improve driving performance. The AMG Night package applied to the car adds a sleek and contemporary darkening to lots of the trim pieces on the car, and this blends perfectly with the black Nappa leather interior, which can be paired with red or yellow stitching. Limited to just 100 units worldwide, this stunning racing homage is just about as rare as its venerated counterparts, so while this is another chance to get your hands on an F1-inspired Mercedes-AMG collector’s masterpiece, that chance won’t last long. View All Mercedes-AMG SL 63s For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 10, 2022

BRABUS Classic's Andy Warhol Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Begins ...

While BRABUS is known for boosting the looks and performance of modern-day Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, and Rolls-Royce models, its Classic division focuses efforts on preserving early automotive icons. Re-living the inspiration of world-renowned artist Andy Warhol, BRABUS Classic is responsible for the full restoration of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL from his 'Cars' Series. Making its grand debut at RM Sotheby’s auction event, the famous 300 SL sits on display as bidding begins for interested collectors. MUST-READ: BRABUS Reveals The Original Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ From Andy Warhol’s ‘Cars’ Series Through extensive research by BRABUS and Mercedes-Benz Classic, the Gullwing was confirmed as the exact chassis used in the 'Cars' Series. The car was then restored by BRABUS over 4,500 hours of meticulous manual work to bring it back to glory. The Warhol 300 SL is currently on display at Sotheby's New York gallery for all to see. View all current Mercedes-Benz 300 SL examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Mercedes-Benz 300 SL For Sale Source: RM Sotheby's

2009 Mercedes Benz SL Class 489900 17801275

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 15, 2022

This Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series Tuned By Rennte...

It rarely gets more special than this. In its time, the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG was the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz grand tourers, boasting power coming from a twin-turbocharged V12 engine with classic and irresistible two-door proportions. However, AMG upped the ante even further with the rare and exclusive Black Series rendition of the SL 65, which was treated with lots of exposed carbon fiber, reduced weight, and even more ferocious performance. The SL 65 AMG Black Series is a legendary performance car on its own, but this example for sale at Driving Emotions in Lake Park, Florida was tuned even further by famed Mercedes-Benz tuner Renntech. MUST READ: Mercedes-Benz Will Continue To Make V8 Engines Past 2030 The striking Diamond White color serves as a beautiful contrast to the black exposed carbon fiber elements throughout the exterior, and the bright wheels add a touch of Mercedes-Benz elegance to this fearsome high-performance vehicle. Also contrasted against the white exterior is the all-black interior, which features more black carbon fiber and black leather throughout, appropriate to the Black Series name. This extra-special Black Series AMG car is sure to sell as fast as it drives, as it’s part of a dying breed of performance cars and is one of Mercedes-Benz and AMG’s most iconic creations. If you want it to be yours, check out the listing and price by clicking below. VIEW PRICE AND LISTING

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 29, 2022

Mercedes-AMG Announces The New 2023 SL 55 And 2023 SL 63

The Mercedes-AMG SL models are ready to dominate open-top performance. Mercedes-Benz has already announced the entry-level SL 43, powered by a 4-cylinder engine with an electrified exhaust gas turbocharger that uses technology derived from Mercedes-AMG’s experience in F1, but now, Mercedes-AMG announces two new models for the SL, the SL 55 and SL 63. Along with this announcement, Mercedes-AMG announces that the SL, for the first time in the model’s 70-year history, will feature all-wheel drive, as AMG Performance 4MATIC+ will be standard on both models. Another first is rear-axle steering, improving turning radius at low speeds, and stability and control at high speeds. MUST READ: The Best Mercedes’ You Can Buy Today Mercedes-AMG continues the “One Man, One Engine” philosophy with these two models, which are both powered by the AMG 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. The SL 63 produces 577 horsepower and 590 lb/ft of torque, for a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph. The SL 55 produces 469 horsepower and 516 lb/ft of torque for a 0-60 sprint of 3.8 seconds and top speed of 183 mph. The new 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 55 and 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 are expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships this summer, and they plan to modernize the legend of the iconic 300 SL roadster. View All Mercedes-Benz SLs For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 08, 2022

The New Mercedes-AMG SL 43 Uses F1-Derived Turbo Technology

The new entry-level Mercedes-AMG SL takes a whole new approach. The iconic Mercedes-Benz SL roadster has gone through a lot of changes. For 20 years, the SL was a hard-top convertible, and the latest generation has returned to a soft fabric top. Along with that, the AMG models of the car have been powered by V8 and V12 engines for years, and with the new Mercedes-AMG SL 43, that’s all about to change. The newest entry-level AMG SL model comes equipped with the M139 four-cylinder engine, and while that might sound like blasphemy to AMG fans who remember the SL 63s and SL 65s of old, the engine has already proved its worth in smaller AMG models like the GLA 35 and 45, the GLB 35, and the CLA 35 and 45. VIDEO REVIEW: Mercedes-AMG E 53 Cabriolet The engine gives the SL 43 a total of 381 horsepower, thanks to unique turbocharging technology that can be traced back to Formula One. This unique electric exhaust gas turbocharger uses technology that comes from Mercedes-Benz’s own F1 Team. An electric motor drives the turbocharger directly before the exhaust gas does so itself, reducing the time it takes to get a response from the turbocharger and removing the compromise that exists between a turbocharger and a supercharger for efficient boost. This technology helps the SL, despite having a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to accelerate to 60 mph in less than 4.9 seconds, and climb up to a 170 mph top speed, which makes for a grand tourer with the performance to excite, more efficiently than ever before. View All Mercedes-Benz SL For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

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