Mercedes-Benz News

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

By Andrew Nabors – May 14, 2021

Why Mercedes-AMG Wheels Are A Great Upgrade

Light, strong, stylish, you can have it all! A few decades ago, two Mercedes-Benz engineers decided to go racing. Mr. A & Mr. G saw the defiiciencies in production wheels, so new rolling stock was one of the first upgrades offered by AMG. Now that their aftermarket shop is fully integrated into the parent company, our dealers offer several upgrade sets for your car. The latest episode of Inside AMG shows the world how beautiful forged aluminum can be. Even their cast wheels are lighter than aftermarket options, and having less un-sprung weight offers much more comfort and grip. The cast ones are flow-formed while hot, a process that tempers the alloy while reducing the wall thickness. Black, silver, machined, there are several finishes and designs to choose from, so click the button to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your AMG news. Browse Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale Image (C) Daimler

By Andrew Nabors – May 06, 2021

How Fast Is The Mercedes-AMG GLS On The Autobahn?

Twin Turbos, V8, and designo leather? Yes Please! No matter what the weather might be in the Netherlands, the team at AutoTopNL never fail to flog the world's best cars on the Autobahn. Mercedes, AMG, and Maybach have been building comfortable, powerful luxury cars since before your Grandparents were in High School, and their latest offerings are truly breathtaking. Yesterday we told you what you needed to drive the E63 S Estate Wagon, and today we turn our attention to the most powerful version of the GLS 63. They are so safe and smooth that we ordered one for Tiger Woods, a Mother's Day gift from a loving son. If you are curious, it offers 627 lbs of torque to all wheels, along with 603 horsepower. It is strong enough to pull a fast-food restaurant off its foundation, or a quick grocery run. Our dealer have incredible leasing options, so click the button and stay with us for all your Autobahn action! Browse Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 For Sale Image (C) Daimler

By Andrew Nabors – April 15, 2021

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Price & Specs Unveiled

Time for a high-voltage S-Class Earlier today Brabus dropped the new 2022 B50 S-Class. It makes tons of power and torque from the 3-lier straight-six, but what about battery power? The first-ever EQS is being unveiled now, live on YouTube, so watch it with us! Let's dive into the specs: What we have here is the EQS 450+ It arrives with a 107.8 kW battery and a sleek drag coefficient of 0.20. This allows you to hit 62 mph in 6.2 seconds, but a hotter model is following. The EQS 580 4Matic uses two motors to offer AWD. It hits 62 mph in 4.3 seconds and offers a range of 478.5 miles. Should you need more range, it can be DC fast-charged to add 173 miles in 15 minutes. The price is known to our dealers, so click the button below for all the details and stay with us for all your Mercedes EQ news. Shop Mercedes-Benz S-Class Images (C) Daimler

By Andrew Nabors – March 24, 2021

New Mercedes-Benz C-Class Combines Comfort With Connectivity

Consolidating almost all vehicle functions into a stylish touchscreen is how the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class combines comfort with connectivity. Say goodbye to traditional interior designs. A digital revolution has allowed stylists to sculpt a new experience for both the driver and passengers. Symmetry and functionality play equal parts while the MBUX assistant handles your calls, texts, emails, and even your itinerary. The C-Class has been their best-selling model for years because they always seem to stay far ahead of competitors. Tell us for favorite C-Class story in the comments below and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz news. Shop Mercedes-Benz C-Class Image (C) Daimler A.G.

By Andrew Nabors – February 15, 2021

2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Interior Offers Unparalleled L...

Loaded with amenities first seen on the new S-Class for sale, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior offers unparalleled luxury. Vitamin E plays a major part in the health of your skin, eyes, and brain. As the E-Class family represents their most popular models, nothing was left to chance. If you haven't experienced the latest S-Class, it defines a new experience for all occupants. Starting with the steering wheel, touchpads make the systems easy to navigate. The massive screen is able to be reconfigured while keeping important gauges in sight. Energizing Package + learns your moods, and it adjusts every aspect to keep you alert and happy. Taking considerations from weather, sunlight, and time of day, the car tunes the audio, driving mode, and climate to your tastes. The seat kinetics prevent a sore back on long drives, and its constant motion is slow and imperceptible while literally working in the background. If we were to compile how much innovation arrives in every E-Class this post would be 637 pages long. Take a look at the exterior styling in detail then you won't want anything less. Mercedes-Benz E-Class For Sale Image (C) Daimler A.G.

By Andrew Nabors – February 03, 2021

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Is Compact Luxury

Shorter but wider than before, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA is compact luxury. By chopping off the front and rear overhangs, stylists started with wheels that are closer to the edges of this new crossover. Sarah Ellser offers insights offered by the longer wheelbase, such as more legroom for all passengers. Hard lines and creases were shaved to bring the GLA in-line with their newest design language. Even for those that don't want the power of the AMG models, the AMG-line upgrades to the body make the GLA-Class stand out from every other competitor. The GLA outsold all other Mercedes-Benz models last year, and that is why they made sure the 2021 model year raised the bar for the brand. Starting under $40,000, they are a bargain for the best safety and quality in this segment. For a more in-depth comparison check out GLA: Old vs New. Mercedes-Benz GLA For Sale Image (C) Mercedes-Benz USA

By Andrew Nabors – February 01, 2021

2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen Receives Indigenous Restyling

Oaxaca sits atop the spine of southern Mexico, and it retains many aspects of Pre-Columbian life. To see their abilities on the world's most capable 4WD, watch as a 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen receives indigenous restyling. María and Jacobo Ángeles bestow this G550 with colors and textures that can be seen in the region, the only aspect lacking is the amazing cuisine that the region has to offer. This is just a small glimpse of what the G Manufaktur program is capable of, so click the button for an adventure unlike any other. There are nice changes for this year, so check out the Brabus Widestar! Browse Mercedes-Benz G550 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 28, 2021

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA: Old vs New

Being one of the world's most popular SUVs, let's look at the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA: old vs new. What first arrived in late 2014 has never failed to disappoint. This compact crossover can be had with efficient 4-cylinder power, turbocharged AMG All-Wheel-Drive, and a snappy dual-clutch. Although incredibly rare, a few examples of the GLA 250 were offered with a six-speed manual. Having all the tech and safety you need, the first generation Mercedes-Benz GLA makes a great daily driver. It will soon be going all-electric, so check out the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQA lineup. Mercedes-Benz GLA For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 26, 2021

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQA Lineup Preview

We are all awaiting the first electric SUV from the world's oldest automaker. If you see an efficient crossover in your future, let's watch the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQA lineup preview on YouTube. While most electrics are arriving fully-dressed with AWD, the EQA 250 is Front Wheel Drive. Capable of DC charging from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes. The 66.5 kWh battery offers a range of at least 250 miles, so click the button below to find our dealer near you. Mercedes-Benz For Sale In case you missed it, here is the Mercedes-Benz EQS e-Drive in action! Image (C) Daimler A.G.

By Andrew Nabors – January 25, 2021

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS eDrive In Action

Battery-powered luxury is what Mercedes-EQ is striving for, so let's watch the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS eDrive in action. This upcoming sedan will be the new flagship of the brand, so they have whipped up unprecedented advancements in stability and chassis control. To compete with the Taycan Turbo S, we will see AWD and single-motor versions. With the industry heading to a 300-mile range, you deserve a new Mercedes-Benz, click the button to find yours. Mercedes-Benz S-Class For Sale Along with the new EQA, get ready for a new electric future from Mercedes-Benz. Until then, check out these two S-Class comparisons. Image (C) Daimler A.G.

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