Mercedes-Maybach

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

A red 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 ultra-luxury roadster with a black soft top is parked on a road at sunset, viewed from the front left angle.

By Charles Bradley – August 13, 2025

Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series: $224,900 Ultra-L...

Mercedes-Benz USA has announced pricing for the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series, a striking blend of timeless elegance, high-performance engineering, and bespoke craftsmanship. Arriving at U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2025, the first-ever two-seat Maybach roadster will start at $224,900, excluding destination charges. Marking the sportiest model in Maybach’s history, the SL 680 Monogram Series offers two exclusive design concepts – “Red Ambience” and “White Ambience” – each with distinctive two-tone paintwork and opulent interior themes. “White Ambience” pairs Obsidian Black Metallic with MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Magno, while “Red Ambience” contrasts Obsidian Black Metallic with MANUFAKTUR Garnet Red Metallic. For clients seeking further individuality, MANUFAKTUR Exclusive paint options are available, though production time may vary. The exterior showcases an illuminated Maybach grille with an upright Mercedes-Benz star, optional PixelPaint hood pattern, rose-gold accents, chrome detailing, exclusive 21-inch forged wheels, and a patterned soft top. The rear is distinguished by Maybach logo taillights, a chrome-accented fascia, diffuser, and aerodynamic scoops. Inside, both themes feature sustainably tanned MANUFAKTUR Crystal White Exclusive Nappa leather, paired with Maybach-specific digital display themes, a signature steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, and illuminated door sills. Under the hood, a handcrafted 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine delivers 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0–60 mph sprint in about 4.0 seconds. The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive ensure optimal performance, while active hydraulic roll stabilization and rear-axle steering enhance handling. Four drive modes – Comfort, Maybach, Sport, and Individual – provide tailored dynamics, and extensive sound insulation ensures the serene ride expected from the Maybach marque. With its perfect balance of ultra-luxury roadster design, Mercedes-Maybach exclusivity, and modern performance technology, the SL 680 Monogram Series represents a bold evolution for the brand. View All Mercedes-Maybach On Sale Source: Mercedes-Maybach

Two modern convertibles, including a striking Mercedes-Maybach SL 680, are parked on a marina dock before a luxury yacht, with other boats and waterfront buildings in the background. The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach will soon be available at select US dealers.

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 13, 2025

New 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Arriving At US Dealers I...

The new ultra-luxe open-air Maybach is about to hit the road. At last year’s Monterey Car Week, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the latest addition to its opulent, ultra-luxurious lineup of Mercedes-Maybach vehicles: the new Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series. The new open-top Maybach is the first Maybach-branded convertible in years, and it also is the sportiest Maybach yet, with an ambitious design that is unabashed about its glitz. With a 577-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 engine like the Mercedes-AMG SL 63, the new Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 bridges the gap between the high-performance AMG version of the SL, and the sort of wafting land yacht that typically wears the Maybach name. As such, the two-seater features extensive sound insulation, a specifically engineered suspension, and a revised exhaust system, all with the goal of providing optimal ride comfort and low noise. The vehicle was originally unveiled with two special design concepts: “Red Ambience” and “White Ambience,” both of which feature two-tone exterior color schemes that boldly display the iconic Maybach logo as a monogram like a designer handbag. The opulent Maybach pattern on the hood is painted using an innovative process called PixelPaint, which employs a print head with over 1,000 nozzles in a method inspired by inkjet printers. However, in addition to the stunning curated design concepts available for the new Mercedes-Maybach SL 680, the vehicle is also available with more than 50 MANUFAKTUR Exclusive exterior colors, allowing owners to individualize their vehicle to an incredible degree. Another hallmark of the craftsmanship and luxury in the new Maybach SL is the use of sustainably tanned Nappa leather in Crystal White, with chrome trims for added visual interest. Taking after the formerly AMG-exclusive SL’s aggressive, sporty silhouette, the overall design of the new Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series blends relaxed ultra-luxury with sportiness like the car does itself, with the iconic Maybach grille being shown for the first time with the SL’s A-shaped silhouette, and 21-inch wheels in two different Maybach designs. In addition, various driving modes are available that allow for the driver to choose between Comfort, Maybach, Sport, and Individual settings for a driving experience that matches their preferences perfectly. Unveiled for the 2026 model year, the new Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is arriving at Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the United States later this year, and along with it, MAYBACH Icons of Luxury is adding a lifestyle collection to its store including a leather jacket, sneakers, scarf, bag and dog carrier, all with design inspired by the car. Combining excitement, relaxation, and opulence, the new SL 680 Monogram Series is a new chapter for Maybach’s cherished legacy. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 20, 2024

Kim Kardashian's Former Gray Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 Lis...

This ultra-luxe SUV was part of an A-list car collection. While the general public might know Kim Kardashian for her long standing reality TV career or her business empire, she owns quite an interesting car collection, and it was a few years ago when her garage took on a unique and interesting signature look. Whether a Lamborghini Urus, Rolls-Royce, or a sumptuous Mercedes-Maybach sedan, Kim Kardashian gave her fleet a monochrome makeover, transforming her car collection to sport the same chalky gray color, including the accents, logos, trim pieces, and wheels. View Price And Listing One car that received that treatment was her 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, the ultra-luxe SUV that evolves the historic Maybach name, featuring timelessly classic style and sumptuous features. With all the touches that her iconic gray car collection featured, this specific example formerly owned by Kim Kardashian features an exterior completely covered in the neutral color, including the hood ornament, custom wheels, and all of its trim pieces. The celebrity-owned luxury SUV is listed at Limited Spec Automotive in Miami, Florida, and along with its iconic custom exterior, it also features an elegant and luxurious interior finished in black leather, with sumptuous rear-seat accommodations, pinstriped trim, and more. If you’re interested in being the next owner of this iconic vehicle, you can view the price and listing, and inquire about buying this luxurious SUV by clicking the button. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Platinum Group (@platinum_group)

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 04, 2022

Mercedes-Benz Teases Virgil Abloh's Porject MAYBACH x Off...

Mercedes-Benz honors Virgil Abloh by continuing his legacy. Mercedes-Benz prides itself on the opportunity to work with the late Virgil Abloh on artistic collaborations that bridge together the luxury automotive and fashion worlds. The creative professionals at Mercedes-Benz are continuing Virgil’s legacy in the automotive industry by highlighting Project MAYBACH with a dedicated upcoming capsule collection. Project MAYBACH first made its debut late last year with a one-of-one Mercedes-Maybach example that displays a truly unique elongated body with exquisite exterior components. The one-of-a-kind luxury off-road coupe takes on a modern desert-style design that uses earth tones as the main color palette. MUST-READ: Mercedes-Benz Project MAYBACH With Virgil Abloh Although release information and pricing have yet to be released, Mercedes-Benz took to its Instagram page to tease some of the upcoming apparel in collaboration with the German automotive manufacturer and the fashion specialists at Off-White. The collection is set to feature head-to-toe essentials that sport the iconic branding of both Mercedes-Benz and Off-White, which is sure to be a highly-anticipated release for automotive enthusiasts and streetwear collectors. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more coverage and release information on the upcoming Project MAYBACH Capsule Collection from Mercedes-Benz x Virgil Abloh. View all of the current Mercedes-Benz models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mercedes-Benz (@mercedesbenz) Source: @mercedesbenz IG

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