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 – November 19, 2020

BMW Unleashes Two New Motorcycles For 2021

You have been good all year, so its time to retire your old motorcycle. Instead of adding up all the parts and time you have been neglecting, BMW has unleashed two new bikes for 2021. Packing big technology into a compact frame, the G 310 R has undergone a nice freshening. Making use of a water-cooled 313cc single-cylinder, it offers 34 horsepower and 20 lb-ft of torque. A new electronic throttle offers smooth idle transitions, and a revised clutch basket prevents hopping at low rpm. For those who refuse to lose, the S 100 R is ready to race. After removing every ounce of non-essential weight, BMW touts this bike as having unpalalled dynamics. What started as saving 11 lbs in the drivetrain evolved into a new frame. Gears 4, 5, & 6 are taller to offer a more relaxed experience when cruising the backroads. This did not hurt performance, as you have 165 horsepower and 84 lb-ft of torque. " width="680"> Because it all weighs less than 439 lbs, safety systems include ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control, and riding modes for bad weather. Developed for the World Superbike series, the computer snuffs out wheelies before you notice them, and the fuel maps make it one of the world's most efficient liter-bikes. Click the button below to find our BMW dealer near you and stay with us for all your motorcycle news. Browse BMW For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 17, 2020

BMW Motorrad Will Be Unvieling Two New Roadster Inspired ...

BMW Motorrad is continuing in 2020 with an array of new technology incorporated into its new platforms for the two-wheel sport cycle division. So far, we have seen the release of the first-ever M-Division 1000 Super Bike, as well as the electrified Definition CE 04 Scooter. The company recently announced that two motorcycles are to be unveiled as additions to the BMW Motorrad Roadster lineup. The world premiere presentation will take place on November 19th through the BMW Motorrad Facebook page or YouTube channel at 10 AM EST. " width="680"> Source: BMW Motorrad YouTube

By Edward Jones – November 16, 2020

Learn How to Drift With a BMW M8 Competition: RWD vs AWD

Drifting is not only fun, it's an art. Being able to keep a car sideways around a corner, on the edge of control, all while giving it gas is a technique that must truly be mastered. Here to show you how to drift a new BMW M8 Competition in both RWD and AWD (xDrive) modes is Stefan Landmann, one of BMW Driving Experience's driving instructors. In the video below, he shows the different setting and techniques that are necessary when it comes to drifting with either the rear two wheels or all of them. It's interesting to see just how much more concentration is needed for AWD drifting, but that's a given considering all wheels are given power as opposed to just the rear two. Check out the video for yourself down below. See All BMW M8s For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 12, 2020

BMW & Feeding America Are On A Drive To End Hunger

We live in the greatest nation this world has ever seen. Being around amazing cars and going to exclusive events is how many of us spend our spare time, so it makes no sense to learn that hunger is still a major problem in the U.S. Cold weather is already encroaching so your time to act is now. That's why we are glad to announce that BMW & Feeding America are on a Drive To End Hunger. The process is simple. From Tuesday, November 17th to Saturday, November 21st, all you need to do is test drive a new BMW or MINI. When you do, BMW will pledge to donate 200 meals to Americans in need. Over the last 3 years, this program has provided 4.3 million meals to those who would otherwise go hungry. Feeding America is a network of over 60,000 panties, food banks, and meal programs. Because this program works at the dealer level, it is a great way for you to get involved in helping your local community. Once your test drive is over you will have a $1,000 Gift Certificate towards any new BMW or MINI. Click the button below to find a dealer near you and stay with us for all your BMW news. Find Your BMW Dealer Here " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 11, 2020

Discover The Electric BMW Motorrad Definiton CE 04 Scooter

BMW Motorrad is known for continuously improving the design, performance, and technology of each of their models to help redefine the segment of two-wheel transportation. The new BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 is the best example of moving forward using the company’s e-mobility division. The design for the Definition CE 04 incorporates a mixture of modern, elegant, and urban style paired with graphics to emphasizes something new to the road. An urban commuter is what the newest addition to the BMW Motorrad line up is meant for, being that the target group for that category rides under eight miles per day. The technology portion of the Definition CE 04 is based around seamless connectivity between the rider and vehicle using smartphone pairing through the 10.25-inch display. The concept is a near series version, which allows for more improvements to be added by BMW Motorrad before releasing it to the public.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 06, 2020

Watch BMW Take To The Sky With An All New Electrified Win...

The BMW I-Division is responsible for incorporating the latest design and technological advancements into vehicles to help launch the automobile industry into the future of zero-emission road travel. The German auto manufacturer recently unveiled a project with Peter Salzmann, an Austrian with a passion for leaping from great heights. The partnership recently released more information on the process of creating the first-ever Electrified Wingsuit. Peter enlisted the help from the BMW I-Division on engineering a motor that would allow for a longer time in the sky. They took the technology used on the BMW iX3, the first-ever fully electric SAV, and applied it to the personal flight device. The result was a successful helicopter launch from 10,000 feet, which left Peter soaring through the sky until 3,000 feet before deploying the parachute. The long-awaited testing was put on hold with the global pandemic affecting all corners of the world. The Electrified Wingsuit by BMW and Peter Salzmann is yet another milestone achieved for the automotive industry. Watch Peter in action with the electrified wingsuit by clicking the link below. Learn More " width="680">

By Edward Jones – November 04, 2020

Production of the 2021 BMW M3 is Underway

Hey, everyone, it's finally happening: production has started on the new 2021 BMW M3 at the Munich plant. It's been 35 years since the first M3 was unveiled, allowing for decades of innovation to occur for the M3. Now, the new M3 is set to be the most innovative of them all. For example, the new M3 will be powered by an M TwinPower inline-six engine that's capable of producing a healthy 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. That's plenty of power for a spirited drive, especially when the engine is mated to the six-speed manual transmission. In regard to when we will start seeing these on the road, expect to see them on the road in early 2021. If you can't wait, we have pages of M3s for sale right now, which you can check out by clicking the button below. See All BMW M3s For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 02, 2020

Making of the 2021 BMW M4 Competition x Kith Video

Ronny Fieg launched his own fashion brand in 2011. Kith is based in New York and it allows him to share the latest trends with the world. Taking inspiration from his grandfather's classic E21, the 2021 BMW M4 Competition x Kith is exclusive & powerful. Since he was 12 years old, his designs for footwear and apparel have been collaborations with Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Disney, Coca-Cola, and Versace. " width="680"> Unfotunately, the handmade interior and bespoke exterior require hundreds of hours on and off the assembly line. As such, this work of art is limited to 125 examples. Jens Thiemer, Senior Vice President Customer and Brand BMW said “With his unique ideas and Kith label, Ronnie Fieg is one of the outstanding minds and opinion leaders in the worlds of fashion, lifestyle and luxury.” The M Power twin turbo six sends 510 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque to the rear. This allows it to reach 62 mph in 3.9 seconds while looking amazing inside and out. Reservations are being accepted now, so click the link below to find our BMW M dealer near you. Browse BMW M4 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 20, 2020

2021 BMW X5M & X6M Competition First Editions Unveiled

In an ideal world, every crossover and SUV would arrive with twin turbos. While it would be nice to have a BMW V8 in any condition, adding the world's most competent AWD is icing on the cake. To celebrate their return with more power and more capabilities, the plant in Spartanburg is preparing to build the 2021 BMW X5M & X6M Competition First Editions. Only 250 examples of each will be offered, either in BMW Individual Frozen Dark Silver or BMW Individual Frozen Marina Bay Blue. The staggered forged wheels are 21 front/22 rear, and the exterior trim is a combination of painted and exposed carbon fiber. Both models offer 625 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque across a wide range of the tachometer. The leather is exclusive bi-colour Silverstone/Midnight Blue, with Sakhir orange contrast stitching. Each example will also have its number out of 250 applied to the carbon spoiler before it is clear coated. Click the buttons below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your BMW news, BMW X6 For Sale BMW X5 For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 14, 2020

Tom Cruise Drifts BMW M5 for 'Mission Impossible 7'

Mission Impossible 7 may not be coming out until November 19, 2021, but we are at least are getting a glimpse at what to expect thanks to a sneaky video on YouTube. This video, uploaded by SupercarsNews, shows Tom Cruise drifting a BMW M5 around a corner with subsequent chase cars in pursuit. Oddly enough, all of the doors on his M5 have been taken off. While the M5 being drifted by Tom Cruise is awesome to see, it's what follows behind that caught my eye. After the police cars pass, an all-black Nissan GT-R with camera equipment follows behind. They are using a GT-R as a camera car? Now that's awesome! In another scene, there's also a shot of a Porshe Cayenne being used as a camera car. Check it out for yourself in the video down below. See All BMW M5s For Sale

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