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 Tyler Rampersaud – January 29, 2025

BMW Unveils The New M3 CS Touring

BMW unveils a new wagon with purist potential. The newest generation of the BMW M3 introduced something that the legendary BMW M3 lineage has never seen before that wowed enthusiasts: the first-ever official BMW M3 Touring. Combining the thrilling performance of the iconic BMW M3 with the practical body style of a wagon, the new M3 Touring has the makings of a cult favorite among enthusiasts who pine for more luxury performance station wagons on the market. However, BMW has another trick up its sleeve, and has just revealed the first ever BMW M3 CS Touring, upping the ante for the performance wagon and imbuing it with racing-bred DNA for an even more thrilling purist performance-oriented driving experience. Under the hood lies a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with a robust 550 horsepower, increasing the power of the M3 Touring Competition by 20 horsepower. Thanks to M xDrive, that power, along with 479 lb/ft of torque, goes to all four wheels, giving it a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. With the M Driver’s Package coming as standard, the new BMW M3 CS Touring reaches a limited top speed of 186 mph. While the vehicle features all-wheel drive, the system refuses to compromise on fun-to-drive character. Thanks to a rear bias, a 4WD Sport mode that adds even greater rear bias, and a 2WD mode for true rear-wheel drive thrill, drivers can still experience purist pleasure behind the wheel of the new M3 CS Touring. Setting the CS apart from the standard BMW M3 Touring besides its power is various racing-focused tweaks, like extensive carbon fiber body components contributing to 33 pounds of weight savings compared to the standard car, including on the hood, bucket seats, and interior trims. Along with that is specific suspension tuning and gold or black wheels with staggered sizing: 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, which are wrapped in track tires. With a more aggressive racing-focused ethos, revised styling, extensive weight reduction and increased power, the new BMW M3 CS Touring dials up the M3 Touring’s formidable ability even further for the track, creating a new luxury performance wagon that has the stuff to dominate the circuit. With enthusiasts showing increasing appreciation for the once-unloved body style, the new M3 CS Touring shows that station wagons are cooler than ever. Image Source: BMW

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 21, 2025

How To Buy: PUMA x BMW M Motorsports' New M4-Inspired Cap...

PUMA and BMW M team up for a fresh collection inspired by the BMW M4. BMW's illustrious performance history has forever been defined by one single letter: M. With the debut of the E30 M3 in 1986, BMW continues to evolve its M-division with a handful of models catering to all different drivers and their lifestyles. The BMW M4 remains a key player for those looking to embrace the classic coupe look and feel, making it the perfect everyday driver that enjoys the occasional track day on weekends. Honoring an icon in the making, the professionals at PUMA Motorsport are proud to team up with BMW M Motorsport to launch an all-new capsule collection centered around the BMW M4. Featuring hoodies, T-shirts, and shorts, the lineup brings bold graphics inspired by the BMW M4's livery, offering a look that's just as at home on city streets as it is at the track. Clean designs and lightweight materials mean you'll be comfortable and stylish, whether supporting from the trackside or enjoying an average day out. The highlight? The BMW MMS Inverse sneaker. It's a sleek design that gives off all the sport-focused energy of a BMW M4 but with a focus on comfort and wearability. Whether you're pairing it with the rest of the collection or making it a standout piece, this sneaker fits right in for those who love blending performance-inspired style with everyday vibes. Shop The Collection Our Top Picks BMW M Motorsport Hat Shop Now BMW M Motorsport Jacket Shop Now BMW M Motorsport Graphic Tee Shop Now BMW M Motorsport Jersey Shop Now BMW M Motorsport Shorts Shop Now Source: PUMA

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 17, 2025

Supercar Ron Shows Off His E36 BMW M3 Lightweight Once Ow...

An already-collectible M3 with an incredible story of ownership. Holding the title of BMW's first and most iconic M car ever made, the BMW M3 tells a story of German automotive excellence with six ongoing generations. And while each one represents a moment in time and the evolution of performance, the E36 generation remains one of the favorites amongst passionate BMW collectors and purists. Even rarer than the regular production E36 M3 is the M3 Lightweight, a limited-production variant that allowed BMW to shed almost 850 lbs of its overall weight. Of the only 126 chassis known, the late Paul Walker once owned five examples in his incredible collection of cars. As part of Supercar Ron's newest YouTube video, he takes a deep dive into his E36 BMW M3 Lightweight, owned by the Fast & Furious movie star. Ron bought the car at a special Barrett-Jackson auction event while on stage for $220,000 ($242,000 after auction fees), as it stood out as the lowest mileage and best condition of the five examples. Referring to Paul Walker as the James Dean of our time, Ron expresses his love for the M3 and the fact that it will always remain in the collection for the rest of his life. Even tying Paul's significance as an automotive icon to the influence it had on him acquiring a 1,200 horsepower MK4 Toyota Supra and an 8,000-mile R34 Nissan GT-R. The M3 Lightweight remains a daily driver in Ron's fleet and features subtle bits and touches that separate it from normal production M3s, including M-color checkered graphics, M parallel wheels, and 90s confetti-style seats. Continuously gaining notoriety as a BMW icon and a cultural piece of automotive history, Supercar Ron's 1996 BMW M3 Lightweight from Paul Walker's collection holds up against hypercars like his $4 million Aston Martin Valkyrie Roadster. View all BMW M3s for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All BMW M3s For Sale " width="680"> Source: Supercar Ron YouTube

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 13, 2025

BMW M Reports Record Sales For 13 Years In A Row In 2024

BMW M continues to show impressive sales growth. For over 50 years, BMW’s M division has demonstrated the gold standard in combining luxury motoring with exciting high-performance thrill. Today, its lineup consists of heroes like the M3 and M4, as well as new creations like the XM and M5 Touring. As a result of its diverse and celebrated lineup, which includes hybrid and fully-electric models, BMW M GmbH has broken its yearly sales record in 2024 for the 13th year in a row. Delivering 206,582 vehicles, BMW M not only continued 13 consecutive years of sales growth, but it also exceeded the threshold of 200,000 vehicles for the second time since first achieving that benchmark in 2023. For the third time in a row, BMW M’s best-selling model globally was the BMW i4 M50, the fully-electric Gran Coupé that combines practicality and luxurious appointments with thrilling performance and cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. However, the i4 M50 is far from the only star in the lineup, with the M2 seeing a 64% increase in sales, the M3 Touring growing by 57%, and the avant-garde XM hybrid SUV growing by 16%. Throughout various global markets, the continued success and growth of BMW M and its expanding lineup shows that it is a favored sports car manufacturer enjoying continued demand for luxurious vehicles with performance-oriented touches or high-performance capabilities. Along with BMW M’s racing pursuits in 2024, its continued sales growth makes 2025 an exciting year for the iconic brand. View All BMWs For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 13, 2024

Is BMW M Teasing An All-Electric M3

With over 50 years of automotive history centered around a single letter, BMW's M Division has and continues to build a timeless legacy born on the racetrack. Inspired by the first BMW 3.0 CSL, icons like the BMW M3 have gone on to create their own timeline within the brand with generations that remain collector-grade examples among passionate owners and enthusiasts worldwide. And with love for the past comes hesitation for the unknown future, as we all know with the M3's most recent G80 update and its unique visual characteristics. But it's a tried and true process that we all learn to love. BMW M just recently made waves in the automotive space as the brand took to Instagram to tease what looks to be an all-electric, four-door test mule. Without jumping to conclusions that it's for sure an M3, its shortened wheelbase and four-door configuration definitely point us in that direction. Tricky BMW-themed camouflage subtly hides the body lines of the mysterious M car as it ventures outside headquarters for some real road testing. While it remains a test vehicle with no current production plans as of right now, BMW M captioned its Instagram post, saying, "On the way to set new standards." Make sure to tune into duPont REGISTRY for more updates on BMW M's mysterious new EV. View all BMW M3s for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All BMW M3s For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by BMW M GmbH (@bmwm) Source: BMW M Instagram

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 06, 2024

Kith x BMW Reveal New 2025 BMW XM Kith Concept

Kith and BMW continue their captivating collaboration. Those steeped in streetwear culture will know that Kith, founded by Ronnie Feig in 2011, is one of streetwear’s most prominent names. It started as a New York store specializing in sneaker culture and expanded to become a revered lifestyle and apparel brand pushing the boundaries and representing the latest and greatest of streetwear fashion. With global locations and household name status, Kith is at the top of the streetwear world. However, Kith has expanded its reach to the automotive world with its collaboration with BMW, which has included a stunning limited-edition bespoke rendition of the BMW M4 and Ronnie Feig’s own custom BMW M1 supercar. However, at Art Basel Miami Beach amidst the festivities of Miami Art Week, another chapter in BMW and Kith’s collaboration has been unveiled: the 2025 BMW XM Kith Concept. Launching along with a new collection of Kith x BMW apparel, the new BMW XM Kith Concept will have a total of 47 examples made, which is the number of years since the debut of the BMW M1 supercar, the previous M-exclusive BMW. The BMW Individual Frozen Techno Violet metallic paint is a historic color that is specially developed for and only will be used for the exclusive model, and BMW Individual Frozen Black is also available. Other touches that set the new BMW XM Kith Concept apart from the standard version of the hybrid super SUV include Kith logos throughout, an illuminated “1/47” insignia on the door sills, and a Kith twist to the interior M Lounge. Standard with the exclusive vehicle is a Kith duffle bag, which bridges the gap between the fashion and automotive worlds in the new collaboration. With a unique, historically-inspired design, the new BMW XM is the next subject of BMW and Kith’s ongoing and growing collaboration. View All BMW XMs For Sale Image Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 06, 2024

BMW Group Reports Major Setbacks In Q3 2024 Results

BMW emerges from major setbacks in the third quarter. The third quarter of the year has proved to be challenging for ceratin manufacturers within the automotive industry, and as BMW Group is recapping its third-quarter results for 2024, the report cites a technical issue as the reason for a major challenge when it comes to the group’s delivery numbers and financial results. However, BMW expects deliveries to increase in the fourth quarter, finishing 2024 with adjusted full-year guidance. The technical issue is related to the Integrated Braking System (IBS), and it dampened sales and revenue. While BMW Group’s BEV deliveries increased during the quarter, the issues made the third quarter a tough one for BMW Group. Delivering 1,754,157 cars, the first nine months of this year represents a 4.5-percent decrease compared to last year’s number. In the third quarter itself, 540,881 BMW Group deliveries represented a 13-percent decrease. As the IBS problem forced delivery stops and delays for BMW Group, it has proved a major challenge and a considerable setback for the group’s performance, both in the third quarter and in the first nine months of the year. However, as the manufacturer is working hard to rectify all of the impacts of the issue, the fourth quarter is expected to bring increased deliveries with robust demand. View All BMWs For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 04, 2024

BMW Announces The Start Of Production For Its All-New 727...

The M5 Touring is on its way. In an ever-changing automotive world that continues to become more tame with simplified designs and hybrid-assisted powertrains, cars that truly push the envelope are the ones being seen by car enthusiasts. BMW represents itself as a brand that perfectly balances heritage and ingenuity, focusing efforts on evolving the brand and its model lineup while incorporating characteristics from its most iconic and legendary sports cars. As part of the next generation of M cars and its love for performance station wagons, BMW is pleased to announce the start of production for the all-new M5 Touring. BMW is now rolling out the new M5 Touring at its Dingolfing plant, combining the punch of a performance car with the everyday ease of a wagon. Following the recent start of M5 Sedan production, the M5 Touring features a 727-horsepower M HYBRID system, utilizing both a high-revving V8 and an electric motor. With more than 737 ft-lbs of torque, it’s built to deliver serious power without skipping on space, making it a versatile choice for everything from family outings to solo drives. This launch brings the number of M models produced at Dingolfing to seven, adding to BMW’s growing roster of high-performance cars. The plant now produces other M models, like the M4 and M8, highlighting BMW’s effort to give fans even more track-inspired options. View all BMW M cars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All BMW M Series For Sale Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 11, 2024

BMW Reveals New Production Version Of The Skytop Roadster

BMW’s stunning open-top concept has become a reality. Earlier this year at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, BMW showed off a beautiful concept vehicle: the Skytop. A two-seat roadster with elegant lines and a powerful V8 engine, its elegant beauty is inspired by icons like the BMW Z8 and the 507 that inspired it. Its rousing reception at the event and in the public convinced BMW to answer to popular demand and reveal a limited-production version of the Skytop, which has just been announced. With only 50 units of the gorgeous roadster being made, the production BMW Skytop is set to be a collector-grade masterpiece among BMW’s luxurious lineup. Its unique design, classic-inspired silhouette, and, of course, its 625-horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 make it a head turner and an open-top driving pleasure. With xDrive all-wheel drive and BMW’s Steptronic Sport 8-speed transmission, the gorgeous luxury roadster will sprint from 0 to 60 in just 3.3 seconds and demonstrate enviable driving dynamics. As a limited-production luxury performance roadster, the production BMW Skytop features stunning details, like a leather-covered roll bar behind the seats, a leather-trimmed soft-top roof, custom LED lighting assemblies, soft-closing doors, a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system, and more highlighting the exclusive luxury design. With the concept version giving way to a new ultra-exclusive production version, the BMW Skytop is the next chapter of BMW’s luxury performance roadster lineage. View All BMWs For Sale Image Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 06, 2024

BMW x Toyota Announces New Hydrogen-Powered Vehicle Partn...

BMW partners with Toyota for hydrogen pioneering. While battery electric vehicles have dominated the automotive world’s transition to electrification, which is happening at a breakneck pace, there are some situations in which battery-electric powertrains are not the best solution. A less popular solution that has been championed by a few pioneers, however, is hydrogen fuel. Using hydrogen to power an electric vehicle is something that manufacturers like BMW and Toyota have been exploring, and now, they will do it together. BMW has announced that it plans to launch its first-ever series-production hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle in 2028. Towards this effort, the German manufacturer will join forces with Toyota to collaborate in developing the next generation of hydrogen fuel cell vehicle technology. Both companies will use what they have already learned in hydrogen and electric vehicle engineering in order to create a new, better generation. Together, BMW and Toyota will jointly develop a powertrain system for series production vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells, launching the first model in 2028. Both passenger and commercial vehicles will rely on the powertrain system, with the BMW and Toyota hydrogen FCEV models retaining the unique characteristics of vehicles from both brands, providing a range of options for customers to choose from. Building on the success of the iX5 Hydrogen, BMW plans to create a hydrogen variant of an existing model. The new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle will sit alongside combustion and battery electric powertrains, offering a new option for situations where battery power isn’t the best option. View All BMWs For Sale

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