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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 Edward Jones – March 13, 2017

Woah: The BMW M8 Supercar is Actually Happening

You may have never heard of it, but there was once a one-off vehicle called the BMW M8. This car looked similar to the M1, but had a massive 5.0-liter V12 engine capable of 550 horsepower underneath its hood. The M8 also had a six-speed manual gearbox, rear wheel drive and liberal amount of carbon fiber. Unfortunately, there was only one M8, which wasn't enough to rule them all. Thus, shortly after, most forgot about the M8 as it seemed as though BMW had retired the name.Until now.According to sources close to BMWBLOG, BMW will actually be creating a new M8. Actually, there will be three different M8 models: Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe. BMW ConceptWill the new BMW M8 be the automaker's new supercar? Well, if the original is an indication, it seems likely. BMWBLOG guesses that the car will pack a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine. And, they also go on to note that an eight-speed ZF-sourced automatic transmission and all-wheel drive will be likely.Unfortunately, the one thing we want to see the most and don't have our hands on yet are pictures of the car. What about the images in this article? These are BMW concept renderings by Giom Image Art.All BMW For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 27, 2017

BMW 750iL Tupac was Shot in is Up for Sale

Back on September 7, 1996, Tupac Shakur was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. This murder shook the entire music industry, as Tupac's albums had sold over 75 million records worldwide and he is consistently ranked as one of the greatest rappers of all time. In fact, he will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, during his first year of eligibility.The car Tupac was driving when he was shot was a 1996 BMW 750iL that was owned by Suge Knight, co-founder of Death Row Records. The shooting ended with Tupac being shot twice in the chest (one piercing his lung), once in the arm and once in the thigh. Unfortunately, he passed away at the University Center of South Nevada.The exact BMW 750iL that Tupac was driving is currently for sale through MomentsinTime.com. It's currently listed for $1.5 million and is said to include authenticity.Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – February 01, 2017

BMW Teases Us With a New 5 Series Wagon

America has a love/hate relationship with station wagons. Maybe it is a conspiracy by the Crossover Mafia, but the US has been without a full size wagon for a few years. The body style remains popular around the world, which is why BMW have developed a wagon version of the seventh generation 5 Series. Because BMW fans speak only in chassis codes, the new generation is known internally as G31. Eager to incorporate lessons learned on the latest 7 Series, the body incorporates composites and aluminum along with high strength steel for cockpit protection. Physically larger than its predecessor, the new model is around 220 lbs lighter.Officially to be known as the 5 Series Touring, four engines will be available once production begins. Your choices will be four-cylinder or straight six in gas or diesel variants. The xDrive AWD system will also be available. Attention to aerodynamics includes shutters behind the grille that transform the wagon into a bottom breather at highway speeds. An integrated rear spoiler above the rear glass is another trick employed to achieve a drag coefficient of only 0.27, which is 10% better than a Corvette Z06. Incorporating the latest in autonomous assistance, new features like lane change assist and lane keeping will handle the steering at speeds up to 130 mph. Intelligent cruise has stop & go control for inner city congestion, and the HUD screen is 70% larger to help keep your eyes on the road. No word of a US version was mentioned in the press release, but we will have more information after the Geneva Auto Show next month. Stay with us for all your BMW news.All BMW 5 Series For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 20, 2016

BMW Updates the 6 Series for 2018

BMW buyers will have a few new options to choose from next year. The popular 6 Series is built in 3 body styles: Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe (sedan). In order to offer something for everyone, a press release yesterday outlines a few additional choices in color and equipment. A new exterior finish is named Sonic Speed Blue metallic, which sounds like they might be receiving a call from Sega's legal department.(Related - BMW Considers M Performance Versions of i3 and i8)The M Sport package elevates the car closer to the potent M6 in speed and handling, and a new 20" forged wheel will be available in a two-tone finish. The M-specific double spoke design has staggered width front to rear and wears extended range run-flat rubber. Also borrowed from the M6 is a carbon fiber interior package. Two main option packages are named Design Pure Experience and Design Pure Excellence. Both are collections of BMW Individual program which is the home for bespoke builds. Power comes from a twin turbo straight six making 320 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque. If you need more, a 450 hp V8 is optional. Either way you will have a great car, so contact our dealers for more information on the new slick 6.All BMW 6 Series For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 12, 2016

BMW Considers M Performance Versions of i3 and i8

If you need more vitamin M, BMW's performance division is looking to become a global force in performance cars. In an interview with Motoring.com.au, Vice President of sales Peter Quintus has alluded to expanding the lineup into the i Series cars. Purists will decry a dilution of the venerated M badge, but who wouldn't like more power? Not known for jumping into unproven technologies, BMW takes ample time ensuring the quality of their engineering before it is unleashed to the public. Case in point, we have been teased with the M2 for years and the waiting list keeps growing. He then went on to say that all of the building blocks are in place for electricity to become a part of the M Brand, but weight will need to be kept to a minimum.As the Ultimate Driving Machine, the best power to weight ratio is still achieved with traditional performance builds. Using the lessons learned on the 7 Series, the use of carbon fiber will be limited to smaller components along with aluminum and steel. Big changes to the popular models could alienate a dedicated customer base, or this could be an elaborate disinformation campaign to keep the competition in the dark. The i8 is a quick coupe that is capable of 28 mpg on a bad day, so an M version might tarnish its clean reputation. On the other hand, the boxy i3 could use a few hundred additional horses to be the ultimate sleeper. Battery boosted Bavarians could be in the works, so stay with us for all your BMW news.i8 For Sale|i3 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 07, 2016

Hamann Motorsport Unveils Upgrades for BMW M2

If you need something new for your potent BMW M2, if stock power is leaving you blue, then follow along as we sing you a song of carbon and boost pressure too. Hamann Motorsport has developed an entire accessory line for the BMW M2, and it looks as if the sun visors are the only parts they left in original form. By reverse engineering the body and engine, power has been increased and carbon fiber has infiltrated almost every surface. New front and rear diffusers work with spoilers along the rocker panels to control the air along the lower body. The trunk-mounted rear spoiler is available in carbon or body color and it has small winglets to reduce turbulence behind the car.To improve suspension response and along with appearance, Hamann has commissioned new 20" wheels in a forged one-piece design. Offered in silver or black, the staggered sets are 8.5" wide on the front and 10" for the rear. An optional set of lowering springs have progressive coils to remove 20mm of ride height. More grip demands more power, so a new ignition control module piggybacks between the engine and its computer to raise horsepower to 420 and torque to 390 lb-ft. A comprehensive exhaust package includes a new down pipe with high flow cats and a free-flowing muffler. Hamann is so proud of their efforts that insurance on the parts is available as part of the package. Capable of reaching 62 mph in 4.2 seconds, a Hamann equipped M2 will walk away from an E39 M5 without breaking a sweat.BMW For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 29, 2016

BMW Investing €500 Million Into Startups and Technology

BMW is looking to the future with a major investment in startup companies and new technology. In a press release issued today, BMW Group announced that they are creating a venture capital fund of up to 500 million euros over the course of ten years.The investment was done to make BMW i Ventures able to invest in new technology, like autonomous driving. If you're unfamiliar with BMW i Ventures, as most are, it was founded in New York back in 2011 with the intent of investing start-ups. With these investments, they are hoping to secure promising start-ups and their technology.“These days, more and more innovations come from the start-up scene. Venturing allows us to tap into this potential at an early stage. To achieve this, we are now giving BMW i Ventures a much broader footing and will expand our involvement in Europe and Asia, as well as at our new location in Silicon Valley,” explained Peter Schwarzenbauer, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for MINI, BMW Motorrad, Rolls-Royce and Aftersales, in the press release. “The atmosphere of radical openness and idea-driven exchange that characterises the start-up scene is particularly fruitful for an innovation leader like BMW.”(Related - Most Exclusive BMW Motorcycle, Ever: The HP4 RACE) When BMW i Ventures invests, this is what they say the companies will get:"Outside-in: Minority holdings by BMW i Ventures in the best, most innovative start-ups provide the BMW Group with external access to innovations and secure the company’s role as a technology pioneer.Inside-out: BMW i Ventures not only provides financial support for start-ups, but also contributes internal non-monetary resources or “smart capital”, such as technical expertise and access to the network of an established global player."Is this BMW's attempt to take on companies like Tesla? It may seem like it, but automakers work on these kinds of investments all the time. This time, however, it seems that BMW is focusing on technology that focuses around what we know as future tech, such as autonomous driving. This is definitely an exciting announcement and a step towards the future for BMW.All BMW For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 09, 2016

Austin Mahone's Rust-Wrapped BMW i8

Typically, you never want your car to be covered in rust, but when it's a wrap and not actually oxidization it's another story. Take Austin Mahone's BMW i8 for instance, it's been covered in a very special "rust wrap" designed by @zachonthat and applied by MetroWraps.While it may look like the car has been sitting underneath a sprinkler for ages and is made out of iron, it's actually just a well-done wrap. To make the appearance even more grandiose are the golden Vossen wheels.But, what do you guys think about this wrap? Hot or not? I think it's pretty wild, in a good way. While everyone focuses on making sure their cars look like mirrors, Mahone wanted his new i8 to look like a rust bucket without the damage. And what's great is that the colors, including the gold and black trim, go together so well with the wrap. But, then again, everyone has their own tastes. Let me know what you think in the comments below.All BMW i8 For Sale Austin Mahone got crazy with this one! MetroWrapz #rustedi8 #vossenforged #vossenPosted by Vossen Wheels on Monday, November 7, 2016

By Edward Jones – November 08, 2016

Most Exclusive BMW Motorcycle, Ever: The HP4 RACE

At this year's Milan Motorcycle Show, BMW Motorrad revealed a peek at their most exclusive motorcycle they've ever created.Being called the BMW HP4 RACE, this new motorcycle will be created by hand in a very exclusive limited series. BMW Motorrad wasn't sure just how much the prototype shown at the show would reflect what the final product would look like, but the revealing press release notes it will be incredibly similar.(Related - Motorcyclist Wheelies All Over Lamborghini Gallardo)“The HP4 RACE will feature the full carbon fiber main frame and carbon fiber rims as shown here," said Stephan Schaller, President BMW Motorrad, in today's press release. "We will reveal more about this model next spring.”For those interested in their own BMW HP4 RACE, you'll have to wait until the second half of 2017 to get your hands on one. Until then, be sure to check back here for more info on BMW most exclusive motorcycle ever.All Motorcycle For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 26, 2016

World's Fastest Side Wheelie in a Car, Ever

For 15 years it's been Vesa Kivimäki's dream to break the world record for the fast side wheelie in a car. To make his dream come true, he teamed up with tire manufacturer Nokian Tires to make the attempt happen.(Sports Cars For Sale)Driving in a diesel BMW 330, Vesa set off down an airport runway in Seinäjoki, Finland. Looking to break the record that has been unbeaten for 19 years, he pushed the car in a way nobody has done before.The result? A two-wheeled speed of 115.742 mph.A lot of people are scared of going over 100 mph, but going over 100 mph on two wheels is another story. To see the daring attempt for yourself, click play on the video below.BMW For Sale

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