Aftermarket

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 Tyler Rampersaud – September 18, 2023

MANHART Performance x ALPINA Revamp The Classic BMW 2002

Decked in vintage accents and modern performance mods, this ride defies its age. The BMW 2002 tii, a predecessor of the famed 3-series and a darling of the 1960s automotive scene, shows off its classic charm in the modern era with a bold new restoration. The car is the result of a collaboration between MANHART Performance and the famed tuning house under the BMW umbrella, ALPINA, a name that connotes exquisite performance and a rich history of tuned BMWs. If you're an aficionado of classic cars with a performance edge, this one's for you. ALPINA's expertise is evident right under the hood where the two-litre M10 in-line four-cylinder engine lies. If you're thinking this is just another restoration, you'd be mistaken. The engine comes in the ALPINA A4 variant, featuring a single throttle system and ALPINA manifold. But the pièce de résistance is the supplementary K&N airbox. Simply put, it takes the horsepower from a respectable 130 to a staggering 200 hp, with torque figures climbing from 131 to 159 lb/ft. Of course, more power necessitates better control. That's why the classic 2002 tii now features a brake system from the 323i model, lifted from its successor, the E21 series. Add to this the Raab coilover suspension by KW and you get modern, sporty handling that one wouldn’t expect in a car from this era. Plus, for those who appreciate fine details, a Wiechers strut brace has been installed to improve body stiffness. As for keeping rubber on the road, this restored icon wears 215/40R16 and 225/40R16 tires, mounted on newly installed original ALPINA multi-spoke rims. True to ALPINA's signature style, the 2002 tii features wheel arch extensions that insiders lovingly refer to as "pig cheeks." These extensions give the classic a much stockier, assertive look that commands attention. The visual drama is further intensified by the characteristic ALPINA decal set in light green and silver, perfectly complementing the body, which is painted in BMW's Agave Green. The interior isn't left behind either. The seats don a combination of blue and bright green stripes, offering a visual treat to the occupants. These are not just any seats; they are sports seats by Scheel, fully restored by the Classic Cars team. To round off the nostalgia-meets-modern vibe, a Clubsport roll bar adds that final touch of sportiness. The ALPINA Classic 2002 tii is not merely a trip down memory lane; it's a seamless blend of the old and new, both visually and mechanically. This is the car for those who appreciate classic aesthetics but crave contemporary performance. It's the epitome of what happens when expert craftsmanship meets passionate engineering. View All BMWs For Sale Image Source: MANHART Performance

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By Andrew Nabors – June 10, 2020

2021 Alpina B5 Arrives With Big Power & Plush Amenities

We said goodbye to the F90 Series M5 over the Holidays. It had a great run since early 2018, but BMW is moving quickly to stay ahead of the competition. With an all-new 5-Series on the horizon, get ready for something wild. That's because the 2021 Alpina B5 will arrive with big power & plush amenities. Starting where it counts, the 4.4-liter twin turbo has been boosted to 621 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. The sedan has been clocked at 62 mph in only 3.4 seconds along with a top speed of 205 mph. Maximum torque arrives at only 2,000 RPM, so hang on! Inside you will find wood and machined aluminum along with their trademark Lavalina leather. Alpina forges new 20" wheels in silver, black, or Himalaya Gray. Behind them are 15.6" brakes on floating calipers. As always, each Alpina model can be built-to-order with any interior or exterior colors you desire. Our dealers have all the info, so click the link below and stay with us for all your Alpina updates. Browse BMW 5-Series For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 09, 2019

AC Schnitzer Unveils Forged Evo AC3 Wheels for BMW M5

The latest generation of the BMW M5 arrived for the 2018 model year, and the factory wheels are a definite area for improvement. Thankfully, our friends at AC Schnitzer have unveiled the Forged Evo, the latest in their AC3 series. Designed specifically for the F90 chassis, they are 21" by 10" wide, and utilize a 275/30 on the front & 285/30 tire on the rear. Carved from a solid billet, they are available in 2-tone silver or anthracite finish. To keep them safe, the lugs are hidden under a locking center cap. The locking nut is available in silver or gold, and it comes with a matched removal tool. The Evo design was a study in the "art of omitting" as they used extensive computer modeling to reduce weight. Even going as far as to machine recesses in the back of the spokes, these featherweights will transform the way your M5 responds to the road. Click the link below to view pricing & tire options, and stay with us for all your aftermarket upgrades. BMW M5 Wheels from AC Schnitzer

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By Andrew Nabors – March 14, 2019

AC Schnitzer Unveils 500HP M2 Competition

If you need a small & fast coupe, nothing beats the BMW M2 Competition. Having 405 horsepower and a six-speed manual, I wouldn't dare to call any BMW underpowered. But our friends at AC Schnitzer have spent months developing a comprehensive upgrade package for this fearsome featherweight. Starting with two sets of forged wheels, they measure 20x9 front and 20x10 rear. Then it was on to aerodynamics. A new front splitter along with a rear diffuser and spoiler will keep you glued to the track. To make sure the car is properly corner-weighted, their RS series coil-overs are easily adjusted. These parts are also compatible with the base M2, if you purchased one before the Competition model was introduced. Their secret sauce is under the hood. A proprietary tune along with a few parts will send 500 horsepower to the transmission. This part of the kit is specific to the Competition, at least for now. Click the link below to find your M2 and stay with us for all your AC Schnitzer news. Shop BMW M2 " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – January 31, 2019

AC Schnitzer Unveils the 700 HP M5 Competition

Do you ever feel bad for people that drive boring cars? We don't either! So we're glad that our friends at AC Schnitzer unveiled their 700 horsepower BMW M5 Competition. It look snazzy at every angle thanks to their latest center-lock 21" wheels. A set of Gen 4 KW coil-overs gives it a 1" drop on the nose and 1/2" on the rear. This stunner was not built for looks alone, it needs to be lower for a reason. The engineers at AC have unlocked 627 lb-ft of torque. When you consider it weighs only 4,090 lbs, it makes this AWD sedan able to run with supercars. The comprehensive upgrades include your choice of 3 exhaust systems and two flavors of front spoiler. All parts are backed by a 5-year warranty, and they allow the M5 to lap the 'Ring in only 7:29.50! Of course you will need a new M5 to start with, so click here to find a new M5 for sale and stay with us for all your aftermarket news. Contact AC Schnitzer " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – August 31, 2018

AC Schnitzer Breaks Nürburgring lap Record

If you are in the market for a fast M5, AC Schnitzer has unleashed something vicious. Backed by a 5-year warranty, their upgrade kit for the late model (F90) M5 offers 700 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. They have developed several exhaust systems and you can choose between their 15mm lowering springs or a fully adjustable KW coil-over kit.View the Sultan of Brunei's Car CollectionTheir body kit includes carbon fiber for the splitter, rockers, roof spoiler, and the rear diffuser. Their Typ 8 forged wheels are 10" x 21", and the forged silver/anthracite are 10" x 20". Cast 20" wheels are also available.At the Nürburgring Nordschleife, these improvements culminated in a 7.29.5 lap time. Not only is it the fastest M5 to ever run on the hallowed track, their press release mentions that it is faster than a 911 Carrera S, AMG GTS, and the M4 GTS. If you want the ultimate M5, click the link below to find your ride. Then call AC Schnitzer for the best in BMW performance.Browse BMW M5 For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=H9iWNdxE584

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By Edward Jones – July 20, 2018

New BMW i8 Roadster Kit by AC Schnitzer Released

AC Schnitzer sees the new BMW i8 Roadster as more than just a new body. No, they see it as a new canvas and a chance to further the sportiness and capabilities of the new i8 variant. On the exterior, AC Schnitzer implemented a new aerodynamic conversion kit that's made entirely of carbon. This kit includes a center front spoiler, carbon front side wings, side skirts and a rear "racing" wing. There is also the inclusion of carbon door handle shells and mirror covers, aluminum pedals, and much more. AC Schnitzer also lowered the i8 Roadster's suspension by 20-25 mm and installed 21-inch AC1 Forged Lightweight Rims in BiColor or Anthracite. For more information, visit AC-Schnitzer.de.LEGO James Bond Aston Martin DB5 Kit Announced

By Andrew Nabors – June 08, 2018

AC Schnitzer M5 Sets New Record at Sachsenring

Tuning your prototype M5 at the Nurburgring can be problematic due to the spy photographers. That is why our friends at AC Schnitzer took their latest BMW to Saxony. The Sachsenring dates back to 1927, and it has been home to the East German Grand Prix. During the Cold War, this was probably slower than watching paint dry.But now it is home to manufacturers who want to keep their projects away from prying eyes. So the latest M5 prototype was tested by AC's engineers this week. What they recorded was the fastest lap by a sedan at this track. Veteran racer Jörg Müller ran 1:31.71. This is 4 seconds faster than any previous sedan, and they are not yet. As of this morning, their mean M5 is making 700 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. If you would like to experience this level of power, click the link below to find your M5.Browse BMW M5 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 18, 2018

AC Schnitzer Unveils BMW X3 Upgrades

In the Appalachian foothills of South Carolina, BMW USA is building the third generation of their X3. This popular crossover has been a runaway success, being exported from the US to dealers around the world. Sure, the aftermarket for the X3 is popular, but if you want more power instead of the usual cosmetics, AC Schnitzer has a comprehensive group of upgrades for the new G01 chassis X3.A popular version around the world is the X3 diesel, and they have intake an exhaust upgrades for a crowd that is normally overlooked. Gas-powered models are treated to performance upgrades along with a slew of appearance parts. Forged lightweight wheels are offered in 19" to 21", even with the lowering spring kit. Visual upgrades include rocker panels, exhaust, and new fascias front and rear. Of course, you will need a new BMW X3 to begin with, so click the link below to find yours. Stay with us for more great hardware from AC SchnitzerBrowse BMW X3 For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 01, 2017

Duo of Matte Blue BMW i8 and i3 on Lexani Wheels

The BMW i Series is an electric duo of cars that are really unlike anything else the German automaker has to offer. In fact, we're currently spending a week with the i8 and I can say that it has more than impressed everyone who has sat behind the wheel. Including me.To give both the i8 and i3 a new look, Lexani Wheels teamed up with West Coast Customs. To start it off, West Coast Customs wrapped the duo in a 3M Satin Flip Glacial Frost wrap and added Llumar tint to both. For the i3, they created a special one-off front lip spoiler.BMW Unleashes the 2018 M5 (Specs and Photos)Lexani added a new set of LF-761 wheels to each car. The i8 is wearing LZ Profile wheels, measuring 22x8.5 in the front and 22x9.5 in the rear. As for the i3, it has LF Profile 20x6 wheels all around.

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