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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 – October 19, 2016

BMW Unveils M4 DTM Champion Edition

German racing is popular the world over, but for most of us, it conflicts with a good night's sleep when time zones are considered. The DTM series is basically Stock Car racing and it has been dominated by BMW in the past few years. Team BMW driver Marco Wittmann took home the trophy at the 2016 season's grand finale at Hockenheimring, so the company is celebrating with a special edition of the BMW M4. Only 200 cars will be produced, and each one is receiving a healthy dose of boost along with snazzy graphics.(Related - Pokemon-Themed BMW i8 is Your Childhood Dream) By using the magic of turbochargers, you will have 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque at your command. Sixty arrives in 3.8 seconds but your top speed is limited to only 189.5 MPH. In essence, BMW took the inline six cylinder engine from the M4 GTS and refined it for street manners. Alpine white is the only color to be offered, and exposed carbon fiber spoilers are reminiscent of the aero package developed by the race team. If your E46 just isn't fun anymore, consider the new M4 listings from our dealers and stay with us for all your BMW news.BMW M4 For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 13, 2016

Revealed: 2017 BMW G30 5 Series

BMW has just pulled back the sheets on the 2017 5 Series (G30) model generation. Overall, this new generation looks similar to the previous, with minor changes made to the front and rear fascias being the noticeable differences. Although there are a quite a few less obvious modifications that set the new model apart from its predecessor.On the outside, the new generation's size is only increased by 1.2 inches in length, 0.3 inches in width and 0.6 inches in its height. But even with these increases in size, the weight has been reduced by 220 lbs when compared to its predecessor. This is all thanks to the application of the "BMW EfficientLightweight" lightweight design concept, which increases the amount of aluminum and steels used in the car.(Related - BMW M5 Races Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifolgio on Autobahn)Riding the wave of automated driving, BMW has added a few new assistance systems to make driving safer than ever. The stereo camera, optional radar and ultrasound sensors work together to monitor the car's surroundings. Systems utilizing the information provided by these monitoring components include the Lane Change Assistant, Lane keeping assistant and Active Cruise Control.Inside, the G30 generation is similar to the previous generation with just a few changes. As for legroom, the rear passengers have an extra 1.2 inches of space. While the front seats don't seem to get any extra space, the driver and front passenger can get the optional massage function. Technology in the cabin includes the WiFi hotspot, wireless charging, new infotainment user interface, Gesture Control, latest Head-Up Display and more.As for the engine types that will be available at launch, there will be two: the 530i and 540i. The 530i is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine thats capable of 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This power lets the sedan sprint 0-60 mph in 6 seconds, as well as top out at 130 mph. As for the top-of-the-line 540i, it houses a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine that can put out 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds. If customers opt for the M Sport Package, the limited top speed of both models is increased to 155 mph.Pricing of the new 2017 BMW 5 Series hasn't been released yet, but it will come to light the closer we get to February 2017 when the car hits dealerships.BMW 528i For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 11, 2016

BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100: Minority Report Meets Real ...

Movies that are set in the future always have the coolest looking cars and motorcycles. Take Minority Report for example, a movie that is always referenced when a bizarre looking vehicle is involved, hence the title. Well, BMW's latest motorcycle is a perfect example of this, because it looks like Tom Cruise would be cruising in that bad boy down the side of a skyscraper. Introducing the BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100.(Related - Star Wars Inspired Motorcycle Helmets Announced)This new motorcycle is meant to create a "pure, unbounded ride experience" and connects the rider, bike and outside world together. To do this, BMW has implemented some serious safety features that render protective clothing unnecessary. The first is the self-balancing mechanism that prevents the bike from tipping over. This allows riders of all skill levels to take a safe spin on the bike. To keep the driver informed about the road ahead, they will wear a smart visor that displays information like a heads-up-display.What's more? While its power unit resembles a BMW boxer engine, it's actually zero-emission.So will we ever see this bike on the road? I sincerely doubt it. Will some of this tech used in this bike be used in the future? You bet.

By Edward Jones – October 06, 2016

BMW Cruise e-Bike to Matche i8 Protonic Dark Silver Edition

Are you a fan of all things electric? Electric cars? Electric phones? Electric...ity? Electric bikes? Well, BMW has you covered on two of those fronts with their Cruise e-Bike Protonic Dark Silver. Modeled after the BMW i8 Protonic Dark Silver edition, this bike is electric just like the sports car it's designed after.Say goodbye to pedalling your bike like crazy, because this bike features what the German company calls "hybrid drive." This consists of a 400-Wh battery that can work in four different modes, ranging from ECO (+50%) to TURBO (+275%), with a top speed with electric assistance at 16 mph. As far as transmission? That battery is hooked up to a 10-speed transmission...I mean gear system. While it may not have a transmission or an engine to make noise, you can still make engine noises on your own and pretend you're driving a car. You may sound crazy, but you'll get the last laugh because you're riding a BMW hybrid bicycle.The BMW Cruise M Bike Limited Edition will be available at select BMW retail partners, with only 300 examples being made. Its retail price is set at €3,500, or roughly $3,900 USD.View All BMW i8 For Sale

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

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 16, 2016

New BMW 5 Series Equipped with Automated Driving Features

The future is officially here with the new BMW 5 Series. In a Facebook post, the car maker provided insight for a couple of the many new features they have created, which will be included in their new 5 Series lineup. Two of the "many" features offered will be Steering and Lane Control Assistant and Crossroads Warning. Both of these features elude to the future of automated driving, as they help the driver make intuitive decisions based on road and traffic conditions. The Crossroads Warning helps the driver brake and supports the driver in case a car coming from a crossroad darts out in front of them.(Related - Leicester City Players Get Confused, Have to Wrap BMW i8s)Both of these features point to the future, which is undoubtedly headed the way of complete automated driving. In the video, BMW also eludes to "many other features," but doesn't give any details as to what these features are capable of. At the moment, no further information has been released about the upcoming 5 Series. Stay tuned for updates as more information comes available. View BMWs For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 13, 2016

Introducing the BMW Individual 7 Series by Esther Mahlangu

She's iconic in that she's the first woman to ever collaborate with BMW on an Art Car, and she's back at it again. After 25 years, Esther Mahlangu joined with BMW again to create the BMW Individual 7 Series. A prominent South African artist, Mahlangu is known for her incorporation of traditional African colors and designs against modern pieces like architecture and yes, luxury vehicles. She's won numerous awards, studied in France and even opened an art school, and BMW was happy to partner with her once again for this newest creation.The BMW Individual 7 Series features Mahlangu's hand painted pieces across the dash and the doors to create a truly appealing interior design. Complimented by an ivory interior with dark gray contrast stitching, the BMW Individual 7 Series showcases Mahlangu's designs without distracting from them. The one-off vehicle will be used in a silent auction and the proceeds will, "benefit a good cause," according to BMW's Facebook page. For more information and photos on this piece of art, check out the BMW Facebook Page here. You can find out more about the auction by clicking here. BMW 7 Series for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 24, 2016

BMW i8 Convertible Spied at the Ring

Duct tape and prototype cars seem to be inseparable, so BMW has used the wonder adhesive to camouflage the new i8 convertible. Spotted by Gumbal at the annual Industrypool testing sessions, this new hybrid is ready for top-down cruising. Because the car is built around a one piece carbon fiber cockpit, significant reinforcements are needed to meet roll over crash safety requirements.(Related: BMW 2002 Hommage Debuts at Pebble Beach)While its unclear if this is a folding hardtop or simply a removable targa roof, this new model appears just as potent on the track. The i8 is powered by a rear-mounted 1.5L turbo three cylinder and an electric motor powers the front axles. Total output is 357 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, which outclasses almost every other plug-in hybrid. BMW has a knack for giving their chassis just the right amount of power. Capable of cruising on battery power for over 10 miles, i8 is a sensible choice for a daily driver. Stay with us for the formal unveiling in the near future.Search BMW i8 For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 19, 2016

BMW 2002 Hommage Debuts at Pebble Beach

At the Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach, BMW is bringing their 2002 Hommage model. This model pays tribute to the classic turbocharged model that came to be in 1973. It was, in fact, the first European production car to use turbo technology.“The BMW 2002 Hommage celebrates the extraordinary feats of engineering on which BMW turbo technology is based and re-interprets them in the form of a design study,” says Karim Habib, Head of Design BMW Automobiles. “With its iconic orange/black paintwork, the car has a colour scheme and livery synonymous in the minds of many motor sport fans with the triumphs of the 1970s.”(Related: Cadillac Escala Concept Revealed, Shows Future Design) Back in May when we first covered the car, our writer Andrew Nabors pointed out a few of the design cues featured on the car: "One of the many styling cues that made the 2002 turbo easily identifiable, a narrow band of carbon fiber along the belt line takes the place of stainless steel moldings found on the early cars. The paintwork above the carbon is matte finish to keep sunlight from blinding the driver. Giant fender flares recall the 2002 turbo homologation cars, and vintage inspired wheels recall races of a bygone era. The front spoiler is emblazoned with chrome turbo badging, leaving no question as to the car’s abilities."Hopefully, this isn't just a concept car and BMW will take this car to the production line. Here's hoping.View All BMWs For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 08, 2016

Entire Leicester City Team Given Blue BMW i8

According to Leicester Mercury, the entire Leicester City roster has been given a BMW i8 for winning the Premier League. The cars come from their chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who spent a rumored £2 million (approx. $2,600,000 USD) on the gifts.Why the massive gift? The Leicester City Foxes did the unthinkable last year and won one of the most coveted titles in soccer. Having just been brought into the English Premier League, nobody expected the team to come out on top, but they proved the world wrong.https://twitter.com/Coral/status/761542805479100416What makes the gift even better is the fact that each car is finished in blue, matching the team's color. AND the team also gets £6.5 million to split among themselves, courtesy of a bonus agreement from the Premier League.The team definitely deserves all the gifts they get, because their 2015-2016 season was a fairy tale to say the least. And now it's not too long before the next season starts back up again!All BMW i8s For Sale

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