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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 – February 05, 2020

BMW Unveils Aerodynamic Wheels for the iX3

Engineers in South Carolina are working hard to make sure their first electric SUV is flawless. Planned to launch later this year, BMW has unveiled aerodynamic wheels for the iX3. By combining cast aluminum with composite inserts, drag has been reduced by 5%, and the lighter weight will offer a comfortable ride. It has lowered power usage by 2% or 0.4 kWh per 62 miles. It might not seem like much, but this small innovation has added 6.2 miles (100km). We will have complete details of the new iX3 as soon as they are published, so stay with us for all your BMW news. Exotic Sports Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 04, 2019

2020 BMW X3 M & X4 M Performance Parts

We hope you are happy. Sedans are dead. Crossovers are dead. It is 1996 all over again with the rise of SUVs. Last week we told you about BMW's compact entry, the X1. Well, it looks like they have even more in store. In a press release earlier today, we've learned the 2020 BMW X3 M & X4 M performance parts will be available at launch. Both of them will have 503 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque thanks to a new turbocharged straight six. They might have German roots and designs, but you might be shocked to learn they will be built in Greer, South Carolina. In addition to carbon fiber accessories, BMW M dealers will offer wheels, graphics, and several Alcantara upgrades. Our dealers have great offers on 2019 BMW X3, and you can click below to stay up to date on X4 inventory. This much power and versatility are sure to be a hot seller. Browse BMW X4 For sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 20, 2018

BMW X4: Old vs New

It seems like only yesterday that BMW introduced the X4. One of their most popular SUVs, it began rolling off the assembly line for the 2015 model year. While it is sold around the world in left and right-hand drive versions, every example has been assembled by skilled Americans in Greer, South Carolina.Top 10 Fastest Quarter-Mile TimesIt has been so successful that a new version has arrived for 2019. Although it looks like a normal midlife refresh, BMW changed every line and contour inside and out. In order to highlight the differences to the public, they uploaded a great comparison video to YouTube. BMW knows their customer is a highly technical driver, a person interested in even the smallest details. The main selling points are improved aerodynamics, interior comfort, and of course- more power! Our dealers are ready to help you, so click the link below and stay with us for all your BMW news.Browse BMW X4 For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 15, 2018

2019 BMW X4 is Bigger and More Powerful

The second generation and model year 2019 BMW X4 is here after an announcement from the German automaker. According to them, the X4 has "sportier proportions, with wider tracks, the latest generation suspension settings, a lower center of gravity and improved aerodynamics." To make all of that possible, the engineering team at BMW had their work cut out for them.BodyAs for the 2019 X4's body, it has an additional 3 inches added to its length, 2.1 inches added to its wheelbase, 1.4 inches added to its width and a 0.1-inch drop in its height. All of those adjustments prove that BMW wanted to make the X4 sportier with a more "squatty" body. Model VariantsBMW will be offering the X4 in both the standard "xLine" and "M Performance" variants. In the standard lineup, the X4 will be available in the new X4 xDrive30i variant, which is powered by a TwinPower four-cylinder engine (248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque). For those wanting a bit more power from their X4, there's the X4 M40i (355 hp, 365 lb-ft of torque and 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds).BMW M5 Drifts For 8 Hours, Breaks Two World Records SafetyLike all current BMW models, the 2019 X4 will be offered with a massive suite of safety features. The Driving Assistance Package gives the driver access to Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Daytime Pedestrian Protection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collison Mitigation, Cross Traffic Alert rear, and Speed Limit Information. Opt for the Driving Assistant Plus Package and you'll get what was previously mention, as well as Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Active Lane Keeping Assistant with Side Collision Avoidance, Traffic Jam Assistant, Evasion Aid & Cross Traffic alert front and rear. Price and Release DateThe all-new 2019 BMW X4 will be releasing at BMW dealerships in July 2018. Starting price for the X4 xDrive30i is set at $50,450, while the sportier X4 M40i will have a starting cost of $60,450 (Destination and Handling fees not included).

By Edward Jones – June 29, 2017

Black Fire Edition BMW X5 M and X6 M Revealed

"Black is powerful, black is exciting, and black is exclusive." - BMWThat quote is how BMW started off their press release regarding the new Black Fire Edition of the X5 M and X6 M. These new models take everything that makes the models successful and turns them into black stallions.On the exterior of the Black Fire Edition models is a Sapphire Black Metallic paint. Joining in the dark appearance is the black M double kidney grille with black bars, which is unique to the Black Fire Edition. Even the 21-inch M allow wheels are finished in black, and the mirror caps are made of carbon. Essentially, the Black Fire Edition is really a ninja edition.Inside, the fire comes to life thanks to the Mugello Red trim that contrasts against the full Black Merino leather interior. Piano black finish darkens the cabin even more, making the Mugello Red stand out like never before. Logos of the X5 M or X6 M Black Edition Edition can be found on the inside of the passenger car.Although they may have different model names, they both generate 575 hp from their 4.4-liter V8 engine. Power of this kind allows them to run 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds when equipped with the standard 8-speed M Steptronic gearbox.The Black Fire Edition models will become available in August 2017.

By Andrew Nabors – June 26, 2017

2018 BMW X3 Unveiled: Preview

Over 1.5 million examples of the BMW X3 have rolled off the assembly line in Greer, South Carolina. Sold around the world, this American-built SUV has been a benchmark for the competition. To stay at the cutting edge of the small SUV marketplace, a new 2018 BMW X3 is ready for launch.The new body is less influenced by the 3 Series because evolution has allowed for new technologies. A new chassis is stronger and lighter, losing 121 lbs while returning a class-leading 0.29 coefficient of drag. Power will come from four and six-cylinder engines, and the top dog will be a turbocharged 3.0 liter in the upcoming X3 M40i. Acoustic glass is optional for the windshield, and optional wheels range from 19" to 21".Three trim levels will be available at launch: xLine, Luxury Line, and M Sport. The first has matte aluminum trim with glacier silver skid plates. Luxury Line has chrome along with a 2-tone finish, and M Sport has all the wild aero features along with giant brakes. These packages are aimed at making the ordering process easier, and our dealers will fill you in on the finer details. Stay with us for all your BMW news.

By Andrew Nabors – September 29, 2016

BMW Unveils Concept X2 in Paris

Auto shows are a great way to test new designs. While it might be easier to test the waters in a less conspicuous market, BMW chose the Paris Auto Show to unveil their new Concept X2. The home of Haute Couture, anything debuted in this city is either loved or hated by the zealous press. And just when you'd seen enough compact crossovers, BMW took the cover off the new Concept X2.(Related - Company Turns BMW Into Real Transformer)Sedans are going the way of the station wagon thanks to the utility and style offered in this segment. Hatchbacks have more versatility than a trunk, but at the expense of rear visibility. BMW's X Series have been shining examples of how to build attractive & useful utility vehicles. Styling on the X2 is more aggressive than its siblings, with prominent air intakes up front and brushed aluminum trim. Two-tone 21" wheels make it appear larger than it is, and the flared fenders might foreshadow an off road edition. Tell us what features should make it to production, or what should go back to the drawing board in the comments below. And stay with us for more coverage of the Paris Auto Show.X1 For Sale | X3 For Sale

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