S-Class

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 BRABUS 1000 silver luxury sedan with bichromatic elegance, LED headlights, and a distinctive grille is parked in a well-lit studio setting.

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 12, 2024

New BRABUS 1000 ALL GRAY & BICHROMATIC Sedans Unveiled

BRABUS continues to evolve Mercedes-Benz luxury. Known for its iconic ability to transform vehicles with its signature style, luxurious craftsmanship, and thrilling performance, especially when it comes to the Mercedes-Benz lineup, BRABUS has become a household name among the automotive world in the realm of customization. However, as time goes on, BRABUS continues to expand its reach, offering new creations that are more radical, luxurious, stylish, unique and exclusive than ever before. Its latest reveal is a pair of new luxury supercars, both based on Mercedes-AMG’s flagship luxury performance sedan, the new Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE, which combines hybrid power with twin-turbocharged V8 excellence. Both of the new BRABUS creations, the BRABUS 1000 ALL GRAY, and the BRABUS 1000 BICHROMATIC both add incredible performance and unique customization to the hybrid super-sedan, with different styles. Both vehicles feature an upgraded twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain, which is capable of 986 horsepower and 1,342 lb/ft of torque, with power going to all four wheels. Both are able to get to 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.1 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 180 mph, put in place to protect the tires. Both cars also sport 22-inch US Monoblock “PLATINUM EDITION” wheels. The ALL GRAY configuration echoes its name with an entirely gray exterior, with a tailor made carbon fiber bodykit finished in the same gray color. The wheels feature the same gray finish, and the BRABUS MASTERPIECE interior is upholstered in Shadow Gray leather, as well. Meanwhile, the BICHROMATIC configuration features a two-tone color scheme of gray and black. Inside, the BRABUS 1000 BICHROMATIC is finished in Slate Gray uhpholstery. The price of the BRABUS 1000 ALL GRAY starts at roughly over $499,000, while the BICHROMATIC model carries a price of roughly $545,000. View All Vehicles For Sale From BRABUS Image Source: BRABUS

By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2021

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Arrives April 15th With Incredible...

Filing taxes in the age of stimulus is fun for those who itemize, so you will get something big to write-off this year. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS arrives April 15th with 435 miles on a full charge. A press release by Daimler this morning confirms the powertrains are already in production and they have every other electric car in their crosshairs. The highest energy density of any production battery, they are using cobalt and manganese instead of lithium. This allows it to offer 108 kWh while constantly optimizing efficiency based on your driving habits. Built in a carbon-neutral plant, the other half of the assembly line will be dedicated to recycling and refreshing their batteries once the lease is up. To build enthusiasm, their latest YouTube upload goes behind the scenes, but we think its a diversion built to shock us once the production car is unveiled. Where would you go given 435 miles of freedom? Tell us in the comments below. Browse Mercedes-Benz S-Class For Sale Image (C) Daimler

By Andrew Nabors – March 08, 2021

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Test Drive

Rules and constraints do not apply to the Sonderklasse. The latest "Special Class" is a stylish and technological marvel, so let's enjoy a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class test drive. In order to appreciate their dedication, here are just a few details of the new sedan: Engine heat is directed into the front wheel wells to negate turbulence from the tires. This laminar flow along the floorplans is just one way it achieves a drag coefficient of 0.22, the lowest of any production car. A big turbo and a 3-liter straight-six are paired with a 48-volt hybrid system to offer 38 mpg or 19 miles of electric cruising. The car monitors your mood and adjusts seat heat, massage, ambient lighting, and even the fragrance injector to avoid fatigue and lower stress. Now that we have your attention, tell us how they could make this car even better in the comments below, and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz news. Shop Mercedes-Benz S-Class Image (C) Daimler A.G.

By Edward Jones – November 11, 2015

Gold Brabus Rocket 900 at Dubai International Motor Show

Premiering at the Dubai International Motor Show 2015 is the exclusive Brabus Rocket 900 "Desert Gold" Edition.The Mercedes-AMG S65-based creation, detailed in a press release issued recently by the German automotive aftermarket company, was created to be an homage to the Orient, due to Brabus' flagship store being located in Dubai.It comes with a few exterior modifications that make it a real desert rose. Its exterior is finished in a special "Desert Gold" finish that is contrasted against naked carbon fiber trim and black 21-inch wheels. Tires are sized at 255/35 ZR 21 in the front and 295/30 ZR 21 in the rear.Inside, Brabus continued the black and gold theme throughout with Mastik leather upholstery, seams and piping. They even coated the switches and bezels in a custom gold color.With a badge from Brabus, you already know that this truly is a rocket. They upgraded the biturbo 6.3-liter V12 engine so it now pumps out 900 hp, hence the name, and a neck-breaking 1,106 lb-ft of torque. This power will get the sedan up to 124 mph in just 9.1 seconds and top out at 217 mph.Whenever I bring up the Rocket 900, I don't think sedan; I only think supercar with those specs. And this one just so happens to set a new gold standard.Gallery (via BRABUS)

By Edward Jones – June 02, 2015

Lorinser 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 For Sale - Price Reduced

Available through Butler Tires & Wheels is a 2014 W222 Mercedes Benz S550 fitted with a full Lorinser Aerodynamic kit, including Lorinser Exhaust and Lorinser pedals. This Lorinser S-Class kit includes a complete front bumper with dry carbon fiber pieces, as well as a pair of front fenders, side skirts, rear bumper, carbon fiber deck lid spoiler, exhaust system and gas and brake pedals.Included with this vehicle is a set of custom Lexani Forged LF-722 wheels with double dark tinted centers and brushed clear outer lips wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Tires. The vehicle was used primarily for shows and was rarely driven. It has approximately 5,000 miles on it at the time of this publishing.Butler Tires and Wheels in Atlanta, Ga. is an authorized distributor and installer of Lorinser products made exclusively for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Lorinser offers Aerodynamic, Exhaust System, Wheels, Suspension and Performance Increase upgrades for most model Mercedes-Benz. For more information on this W222 Mercedes S-Class kit please visit butlertire.com/lorinserS550. Buy Now - $110,000 Vehicle Details: 2014 Mercedes Benz S550 Premium 1 Package Iridium Silver Black/Black Interior Burl Walnut Wood Trim Approx. 5,000 Miles Lorinser W222 S-Class Kit Details: Front Bumper with Dry Carbon Fiber Pieces Front Fenders Side Skirts Rear Bumper Carbon Fiber Deck Lid Spoiler Exhaust System Brake and Accelerator Pedals Wheels and Tires Details: Wheels: Lexani Forged LF-722 Wheel Finish: Double Dark Tinted Center with Brushed Clear Lips Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Gallery Sponsored by:

By Caitlin Duffy – May 21, 2015

Mansory720 and Mansory900 Upgrade Options for Mercedes-Be...

When they first introduced their modifications for the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, Mansory told us they had created a drivable piece of jewelry. The Diamond Edition S63 AMG Coupe was introduced for the Geneva Motor Show March 16, but their line of programs for the model was not yet complete.Joining the M800 and M1000 options for the S63 AMG are the MANSORY720 and MANSORY900 performance upgrades, which increase performance to 720 ps (710 hp) and 900 ps (887 hp), respectively. A post to the aftermarket tuner's Facebook page yesterday shows off a few images of an S63 AMG Coupe sporting an upgraded appearance and engine."With the power upgrades MANSORY720 and MANSORY900, MANSORY are now completing their range, which extends all the way from smaller-scale performance optimisation, changes to turbo-chargers and exhaust systems, all the way to an extensive re-work of the high-performance engine ," described the gallery's caption.With these upgrade options, there are also a host of aesthetic changes that Mansory is capable of making to the model. On May 5 they shared a particularly striking black and yellow S63 AMG Saloon, set off by one-piece, 22-inch, multispoke, alloy wheels.Give the newly introduced option a look over in the gallery below, then take a moment to browse our exclusive listings of S63 AMGs for sale to find the perfect Mercedes-Benz for Mansory to tune for you.S63 AMGs For SaleGallery (Source: Facebook, Mansory) See More Aftermarket News

By Andrew Nabors – October 08, 2014

2015 Mercedes Benz S550 Coupe 4Matic Review

Earlier today, Mercedes-Benz of Tampa took delivery of one of the first S550 coupes in the country. At first glance, this is a big car. Careful styling in critical areas, such as the rocker panels and rear quarters, does a great job of downplaying the enormity, but the coupe evokes a sense of purpose not found on lesser models.Ordered with every option, this limited “Edition 1” model features Swarovski crystals in the headlights and a piano black interior trim. A designo exterior in graphite metallic had been hand buffed at the factory for a flawless clear coat. The interior is awash in Bengal red and black leather, while a halo of alcantara surrounds the Magic Sky panoramic roof. Its opacity is variable and provides a great way to control how much sunlight gets in.Rear legroom, usually the killer of coupe sales, is more than adequate for adults. The rear seats are divided by a center console offering two 12v ports for charging. A new flat-bottomed steering wheel replaces the odd two-spoke tiller of the sedan. For entertainment, every available interior surface is occupied by a Burmester speaker. Even the spare tire well features a 10” subwoofer and amplifier.(See Also: Mercedes-AMG GT S Revving and Backfiring)Our favorite features of the sedan have made the jump also. Inside the glove box is the fragrance atomizer, which dispenses concentrated perfume into the duct-work. Ambient lighting along the upper dash and door panels can produce any color imaginable. Heated door panels and shiatsu massaging seats provide an unmatched level of luxury.Motivation is from the same twin turbo 4.7L V8 found in the sedan, routing power to all wheels via the 4Matic all wheel drive system. This level of power to all wheels makes for almost violent acceleration. In the rear wheel drive sedan, flooring the accelerator spins the rear tires forcing the computer to end the party and kill the power. This coupe sends supercar torque to all wheels and no hint of electronic nannies could be noticed. A quick romp to 30 had us backing off the throttle due to the g-forces induced.This is the proper two door version of the Sonderklasse. Fit and finish are among the best we have seen, and now we must somehow wait patiently for the S63 and S65 versions later next year. Pricing has yet to be released, but for more info contact Mercedes-Benz of Tampa at: MBofTampaBay.com.Mercedes-Benz S550s For SaleGallery See More Mercedes-Benz News

S-Class

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe