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

BMW News

BMW news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated daily with model reveals, first drives, M division launches and electric range developments. Our coverage runs from the 7 Series through the M cars and across BMW's growing electric line-up, alongside the earlier models that still trade strongly. Reporting comes from first-drive access and from the auction results that determine collector values. Many sites carry performance car news, but few carry it beside live inventory. A great many of the BMWs covered here are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, so a review and an asking price appear together. For BMW news today, and the luxury car news around it, start below.

By Andrew Nabors – January 15, 2021

2021 BMW X2 M Mesh Edition Pricing & Specs Unveiled

Looking back on their Fast Financials, we see the X Series leading the way. That's why the 2021 BMW X2 M Mesh Edition pricing and specs were unveiled in the U.K. Combining the best features of the M Sport series along with a unique color scheme. The body is Brooklyn Gray and the 2-tone 19" wheels are a nice contrast. 2021 BMW X2 M Mesh Edition Much like the other M Sport models, gloss black is seen on the grille. Frozen black-brown is exclusive to this edition, and it covers the fender flares and body cladding. The shadow line package covers the other trim. Choose from two engine options or a hybrid with an e-range of 25 miles. Pricing starts at the equivalent of $47,000, so our dealers will be happy to build one for you. Browse BMW X2 For Sale We also have the latest BMW M fashion accessories waiting for you. " width="680"> Image (C) BMW Group

By Andrew Nabors – January 14, 2021

2021 BMW M3 & M4 Cooling System Explained

Here in Florida, staying cool can be hard for high-performance cars. To see how the Ultimate Driving Machines avoid a meltdown, here is the 2021 BMW M3 and M4 cooling system explained. Marcus shows us how the iconic kidney grilles funnel air into the "cooling pack". Engineers use this term to combine the radiators for the engine, transmission, and the A/C condenser. Sharing the incoming air with the brake ducts is perfected in the world's toughest environments in order to give you the best experience. Click the button below to learn more from our dealers. BMW M3 For Sale BMW M4 For Sale Also check out the performance vs. weight of the 2021 M3 and M4 " width="680"> Image (C) BMW

By Andrew Nabors – January 13, 2021

2022 BMW iX Will Arrive With Ultra-Wideband Digital Key Plus

The world's first electric "Sports Activity Vehicle" has a targeted range of 300 miles, and the 2022 BMW iX will arrive with ultra-wideband Digital Key Plus. The first automaker to fully utilize the U1 chip of the iPhone 11, you won't need to touch your phone to unlock and start the new iX. BMW Celebrates 20 Years Of iDrive Working with the Car Connectivity Consortium, they have published a comprehensive language of controls and interactions known as Digital Key Specification 3.0. The new iX has consistent runs to 60 mph in 5 seconds thanks to 500 horsepower, and the ability to add 75 miles of range in 10 minutes thanks to DC fast charging. Amazon is preparing to offer smart chargers, allowing Alexa to keep your BMW ready to go. Click the button to find our dealer near you to reserve yours. Browse BMW For Sale Also, if you have been trying to decide between the M3 and the M4, here is a weight comparison. " width="680"> Image (C) BMW USA

By Andrew Nabors – January 12, 2021

BMW Celebrates 20 Years Of iDrive

After two decades on the market, the world's most innovative automotive control is poised for a big makeover. The new system will make its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show, so BMW is celebrating 20 years of iDrive. What began on the 2001 BMW 7 Series for sale is receiving unprecedented processing power and the latest in voice recognition. This new system will be offered on the 2022 iX with an intuitive menu. We won't spoil all the juicy surprises, so click the button to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your BMW news. Browse BMW For Sale " width="680"> Image (C) BMW

By Andrew Nabors – January 11, 2021

2021 BMW M3 vs 2021 BMW M4: Performance & Weight

The quintessential straight-six supercars have received nice upgrades for this model year. In order to show us what they are cable of, BMW M has uploaded a new 2021 BMW M3 vs. 2021 BMW M4: performance & weight. The M4 Competiton Coupe offers 503 horsepower along with substantial stiffening of the chassis. The F80 chassis M3 and the F82 chassis BMW M4 make use of carbon fiber for the roof, sway bar, strut tower brace, and front seats. Making of the 2021 BMW M4 Competition x Kith Video When ordered with their dual-clutch transmission, it weighs 3,615 lbs with an empty tank. For those who shift their own gears, the 6-speed manual version is only 3,690 lbs with a full tank of fuel. Every new BMW M3 for sale offers rear doors while only adding 200 lbs of weight, preserving their spot as the Ultimate Driving Machine. Browse BMW M3 For Sale Browse BMW M4 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – January 05, 2021

2021 BMW 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition Unveiled

Situated at the crossroads of Asia and the Pacific, Malaysia is a hot market for luxury and performance cars. As such, the 2021 BMW 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition has been unveiled by BMW Malaysia. Limited to 36 examples, each will arrive in an exclusive shade of Carbon Black. Learn How to Drift With a BMW M8 Competition: RWD vs AWD Based on their popular "Shadow Line" series, you will enjoy black grilles, window trim, and 20" M Performance wheels. Buyers can choose from Black Dakota or Cognac leather with contrast stitching. For those of us outside Malaysia, the same combination can be ordered through our local dealer. Through the "BMW Individual" program, you too can experience a menacing 5-Series. Click the button below to learn more. Browse BMW 5 Series For Sale Image (C) BMW Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

By Andrew Nabors – December 10, 2020

BMW Opens 3D Printing Campus In Munich

The biggest innovations in the automotive world have been in small parts, and that is why BMW has opened a new 3D printing campus in Munich. Their latest press release is focused on "Additive Manufacturing". The process by which metal and composites are formed into parts using CNC machine tools is transforming the industry. A new plant is running 100 printers, half metal, and half plastic. Without much need for human oversight, they are turning out everything from suspension brackets to seatbelt buttons around the clock. To keep them going, engineers are finding common areas across BMW's lineup. A part made for the Cullinan could also be used on the 3-Series, so these economies of scale will increase the quality across the board. Browse BMW For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 10, 2020

New BMW Steering Wheel Works for Simulators and a Real Ra...

BMW has just announced a new and innovative steering wheel that I hope catches on. This new steering wheel, which was designed for the new M4 GT3 race car in partnership with Fanatec, can be used in both the real-life car and simulators. Yes, an owner of the new M4 GT3 race car can pop their wheel off of the steering column and connect it to a compatible racing simulator. That's an incredible innovation that will help drivers hone their skills behind the flagship race car of the BMW M Customer Racing range. Instead of having to settle for a different wheel when on a simulator, these drivers can keep their hands on the steering wheel of the car that they practicing to win in. A price has not been announced as of yet, but I can assume that it will cost well above any standard simulator steering wheel. Shop Racing Simulator Gear

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 09, 2020

Watch The Behind The Scenes Making Of BMW M-Town "The Drop"

We recently covered the release of “The Drop”, a YouTube video by BMW highlighting all of the past, present, and future models of the M-Division in the magical setting of M-Town. The massive production directed by Micky Suelzer left BMW owners and enthusiasts dreaming of a place where BMW M models litter the streets. BMW released a behind the scenes video capturing all the moments between takes, answering all the questions we asked ourselves while watching the film. Interviews with the cast, automotive influencers, and Markus Flasch (CEO of BMW M). Watch the choreographed mayhem of past and present BMW M performance by clicking below. " width="680">

By Edward Jones – November 24, 2020

BMW and Epic Games: A Match Made in Virtual Reality

For decades, gamers have been virtually driving and racing cars across generations of gaming consoles and video cards for computers. Nowadays, eSports have taken off and some racing careers have even started thanks to video games and simulators. One automotive company that is using the world of gaming in an innovative way that doesn't necessarily involve video games is BMW who has a partnership with Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite. Through this partnership, BMW has been given access to Epic Games' Unreal Engine. This game engine has allowed BMW to place their cars in a virtual world so customers can customize their new car and see the result before ever stepping foot in them. To take it a step further, BMW actually used Unreal Engine to develop the iX. With Unreal Engine, BMW is able to develop and create their visions in a virtual setting in an effortless manner. “Very early on, BMW saw the possibilities of what Unreal Engine could offer in the automotive industry and devised some truly ingenious customizations that enable collaborative design, visualization, digital prototyping and virtual simulation of behind-the-wheel experiences,” says Doug Wolff, Business Development Manager at Epic Games. “With the release of the BMW iX launch film, BMW went a step further to leverage the virtual production tools in Unreal Engine, deploying the same LED stage workflow in use by the most sophisticated Hollywood productions. This latest development is further evidence of how advanced BMW are in their multiple use-cases and platform design for game engine technology.” You can get a better look at the fruits of their partnership in the video down below. See All BMWs For Sale

BMW News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe