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 – February 24, 2022

BMW Kicks off M's 50th Anniversary Celebrations With A Hu...

BMW rallies their M-enthusiast “team” the way any team would: with a huddle. This year marks the 50th anniversary of BMW’s M division, and while the actual anniversary won’t technically be until May, an entire year’s worth of celebrations have already started. The 50th-anniversary celebrations will be divided into four chapters, each spanning a quarter. The first has already started, “Huddle Speech,” which is exactly that: a scene of BMW M vehicles ranging from the M1 Procar to the XM Concept, to the i4 M50, and even motorcycles, all huddled in a circle, rallying each other to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their shared passion for motorsport. MUST READ: BMW Announces Its Special Edition M850xi Gran Coupé With Artist Jeff Koons In the “Huddle Speech” film, the speakers talk about the fact that M rests on the passion for motorsport and speed that everyone within it has, and that they not only celebrate their past but celebrate “the next race” and their future, beginning and ending with a resounding yet simple statement: We are M. BMW says that the second chapter of celebrations will focus on M’s history, while the third focuses on electric vehicles and the fourth on the M lifestyle. We have quite a year ahead of us, but with a huddle like this, we’re ready to get started. All BMWs For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 17, 2022

BMW Announces Its Special Edition M850xi Gran Coupé With ...

BMW brings back the art car with Jeff Koons. The early fascination with art cars helped to bridge the gap between the two creative worlds, with industry-leading brands and world-renowned artists collaborating on reimagining some of the most iconic vehicles. BMW is one manufacturer that caught on to the art car scene with artists like Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol, Ken Done, and many more. BMW is back in the studio with American artist Jeff Koons to release THE 8 X JEFF KOONS, a collection of 99 strictly numbered M850xi Gran Coupés that present a one-of-a-kind design. Re-living the golden age of the original 90’s BMW 8 Series, Jeff Koons expresses his love for the chassis by describing the process with the BMW creative team as a dream build. MUST-READ: BMW M Celebrates 50-Years With The M2 CS Racing As The 2022 MotoGP Saftey Car The exterior styling of the BMW M850xi Gran Coupé combines eleven different exterior colors ranging from blue to silver as well as from yellow to black, with only four cars being painted each week of production. The 200-hour paint job transforms the traditional BMW 8 series using Jeff Koon’s famous comic book designs and patterns. The interior layout is designed in a multi-colored fashion made from premium leather that sports a vibrant red and blue superhero-like look. Each interior configuration features a special badge that includes the signature of Jeff Koons along with the vehicle’s production number. The all-new BMW 8 X JEFF KOONS is set to release at all BMW dealerships on a “first come, first serve” basis with price upon request. View all current BMW 8 Series models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming news on the BMW x Jeff Koons collaboration. View All BMW 8 Series For Sale Source: BMW

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 15, 2022

BMW M Celebrates 50-Years With The M2 CS Racing As The 20...

The M2 CS Racing makes its first appearance on the MotoGP track. The M-Division of BMW operates as the heartbeat for the brand, achieving success in the automotive industry through its fleet of motorsport-inspired performance vehicles. BMW is celebrating 50-years of M in 2022 with its participation as the Official Car of MotoGP throughout the season. Leading the pack on the race track is the BMW M2 CS Racing vehicle, the first race car to be used as a lead car in MotoGP. As part of its expanding garage of race cars, the BMW M2 CS Racing features its own one-make race series that takes place on some of the world’s most iconic circuits and includes prizes for teams. MUST-READ: BMW Announces Final V12 Car, And Only 12 Will Be Made The BMW M2 CS Racing chassis is redesigned to meet track specifications using motorsport driving aids that include ABS and DSC, a mechanical limited-slip differential, cooling upgrades, a specially designed driveshaft, and a carbon roof. For its role as an Official Safety Car, the BMW M2 CS Racing only required modifications in a few areas, including the addition of light bars and front lights. The livery of the new BMW M2 CS Racing MotoGP™ Safety Cars is a reference to the 50th anniversary and is based on the anniversary logo of BMW M GmbH. The BMW M2 CS Racing Safety Car will make its debut as the lead car for MotoGP at the opening race on March 6th in Qatar. View all the current BMW M2 CS models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more news on the BMW M-Division. View All BMW M2 For Sale Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 18, 2022

BMW Announces Final V12 Car, And Only 12 Will Be Made

All good things must come to an end, and the same goes for BMWs with V12 engines. BMW has been ambitious about announcing their move towards electric cars. With the iX, i4, and other models going electric, things are changing quicker than ever. As exciting as the move to electric cars is, the change also means that its V12 combustion engine will be bowing out, and while we’ll never be ready to see such an incredible powertrain go, it will do so in style. MUST READ: BMW Group Sets Sales Records For 2021, and Electric Cars Helped In a Big Way The final V12 BMW will be limited to 12 M760is, and they are all going to be clearly marked with V12 badges and limited edition plaques. Customers will get to choose any BMW Individual paint color, as well as any BMW Individual Merino leather interior color, and these legendary luxury machines will also come with Sky Lounge LED roofs, remote control parking, and Bowers and Wilkins sound systems. With 601 horsepower, the final V12 BMW will be no joke, and with that kind of performance, BMW makes it even harder to say goodbye to such a powerful, luxurious vehicle. While it won’t be easy to see the V12 BMW go, we wouldn’t want it to happen any other way. Source: BMW

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 14, 2022

Discover The Golden Age Scooter By NMoto

NMoto time travels to the past when creating The Golden Age. Designed as an easy-to-use option for two-wheel transportation, scooters are becoming more common on the road with iconic brands sporting their own variations. The motorcycle manufacturing specialists at NMoto of Miami, FL take pride in reimagining modern-day two-wheel BMW chassis into art deco bikes that feature pre-war motoring designs. NMoto is excited to announce the launch of its newest model, the all-new Gold Age scooter. The new NMoto Golden Age takes shape as a BMW CX400 that channels inspiration from the 1936 Henderson Courtney Prototype. Using a unique 9-piece carbon fiber body kit, the Golden Age includes an array of exterior components to help create an identity for itself as an art deco masterpiece. MUST-READ: NMOTO Unveils 1 of 10 Nostalgia Limited Editions The NMoto Golden Age comes available in four unique colorways that provide head-turning appearances. Powering the new mid-size scooter from NMoto is a 350cc engine that makes 34-horsepower, making it the perfect option for traveling through a city-like environment. While the look and feel of the Golden Age represents a vintage era, its platform features state-of-the-art technology like a connectivity dashboard with a 6.5-inch TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, heated seat and steering grips, multifunction display, and an on-board computer. Enjoy a pleasurable riding experience with added safety features that include ABS/ASC, full Brembo disc brakes, full LED lights, and a FlexCase storage compartment for two helmets. The all-new Golden Age is currently available through NMoto starting at $12,490 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury motorcycle news and releases. Discover The NMoto Golden Age Source: NMoto

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 13, 2022

BMW Group Sets Sales Records For 2021, and Electric Cars ...

As a whole, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million vehicles worldwide in 2021. The BMW brand celebrated 2.2 million sales last year, which puts them at the top of the food chain in the global premium segment. This surpassed their previous all-time high by 9.1 percent compared to 2019, and BMW Group cites the introduction of electric vehicles as one of the biggest contributing factors. In Germany, one in every four BMWs sold is electrified, and MINI’s electric model has become their highest volume seller. As BMW announces a continuing move towards electric powertrains, the success of those models indicates that it is a welcome change. BMW plans to sell 10 million electric cars worldwide in the next decade. MUST READ: 3 BMW M4 Competition x KITH Editions Now Available At Sarchione Auto Gallery BMW’s M models also celebrated an all-time sales record, with the M3 and the M4 having a massively successful 2021. Rolls-Royce sold almost 6,000 cars in 2021 as well, which is the most that the brand has sold in one year in it’s entire 117-year history. The Ghost and the Cullinan sold especially well, and with record numbers of bespoke orders, Rolls-Royce plans to make Rolls-Royce Coachbuild a permanent fixture in its offerings. We learned that Rolls-Royce also plans to move to offering electric cars, and the inaugural electric Rolls-Royce, the Spectre, is set to be released at the end of 2023. With a record year on the books for BMW Group, it looks like everyone is ready to welcome the future of the automotive world with open arms. BMW For Sale Source: BMW

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 12, 2022

3 BMW M4 Competition x KITH Editions Now Available At Sar...

The largest amount of limited-edition BMW x KITH M4 chassis for sale at one dealership. Since its initial announcement and release, the 2022 BMW M4 Competition x KITH continues to grow in popularity by bridging the gap between the automotive and streetwear worlds. The new generation BMW M4 Competition features an aggressive re-design that highlights the performance aspects of the brand’s M-division. Inside and out, the special edition BMW M4 Competition includes subtle hints of KITH using upholstery finishes and badging. The supercar specialists at Sarchione Auto Gallery of Canton, Ohio are proud to offer not just one, but three of the limited edition chassis as part of its ever-growing inventory of luxury vehicles. MUST-READ: Making of the 2021 BMW M4 Competition x Kith Video Each BMW M4 Competition x KITH presents itself in a Frozen Black Metallic exterior finish with a custom KITH-inspired interior design. The highly sought-after collaboration BMW is powered by the M-Division’s 3.0-Liter I6 Twin-Turbocharged engine that produces 503-horsepower. With only 150 of the 2022 BMW M4 Competition x KITH examples worldwide, Sarchione Auto Gallery is happy to present its collection of three that are now available for sale through duPont REGISTRY. Click the link below to view all of the current inventory at Sarchione Auto Gallery. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury supercar news and releases. View Inventory View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sarchione Auto Gallery (@sarchioneautogallery) Source: @sarchioneautogallery

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 05, 2022

BMW Calls New Electric iX M60 "The Best of Three Worlds"

All three of BMW’s signature letters culminate in one new SUV. For a long time, BMW’s specialized cars have been divided into groups by three letters: “i” for electrified vehicles, “X” for SUVs, and “M” for exhilarating performance models. Enter the BMW iX M60, a car that gets the honor of bearing all three. The iX M60 is the very first BMW M vehicle derived from a model that is completely electric, and it doesn’t take any of its titles lightly. To earn the M badge, the iX M60 has 619 horsepower on tap, and gets to 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds. MUST READ: BMW Delivers Millionth Electrified Vehicle, And That’s Just The Beginning In the “i” department, the iX M60 features much of the technology that will be integral to BMW’s electric future. The car utilizes aluminum and carbon fiber to ensure rigidity, ride quality, and weight reduction so that the car can perform incredibly, and also ensure a range of over 350 miles. The carbon fiber technology in the iX M60 comes courtesy of the M division as well, having been derived from the M3 CSL from 2003. Combined with a low center of gravity due to the batteries being under the car, and a drag coefficient of 0.26 in Sport mode, the iX M60 is the future of BMW and the automotive world. The world premiere of the iX M60 will be at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January, and the car is set to have its global market launch in June.

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 20, 2021

Christoph Waltz Escapes A Christmas Party In BMW's Christ...

BMW Group continues to collaborate with Academy Award Winner Christoph Waltz, who seems to hate Christmas parties. BMW has released the BMW Christmas film, and the stars are quite familiar, as they have both collaborated before for the automaker. They are Academy Award-winning actor Christoph Waltz and BMW’s new electric SUV, the iX. Other stars include British former supermodel and fashion designer Alexa Chung, and YouTube sensation Alex Hirschi, better known as Supercar Blondie. The collaboration between Christoph Waltz and BMW was initiated by Oliver Zipse, and in the film, he arrives at the BMW headquarters for a meeting with Zipse, when he is told by the reception that he will be taken to the BMW Christmas party. Apparently, Christoph Waltz hates Christmas parties and makes a break for it in an attempt to escape the festivities. MUST READ: BMW Delivers Millionth Electrified Vehicle, And That’s Just The Beginning In his evasion, he runs into Kai Langer, head of design at BMW i with Alexa Chung, who are on their way to the Christmas party, and Supercar Blondie, who is in the midst of shooting a video where she pulls the cover off a concealed BMW. Is she hinting at a future BMW? Eventually, Christoph Waltz blunders into the party, but Oliver Zipse is there, and Christoph Waltz is taken home in an Aventurine Red BMW iX to enjoy the season the way he prefers to. As BMW enters this exciting new era, we hope Christoph Waltz sticks around to create more fun and entertaining content for the brand.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 14, 2021

LEGO Technic Announces The New BMW M1000RR Build Set

Developed in sports racing and perfected for the road, the BMW M 1000 RR has captured the hearts of motorsport and motorcycle fans. Since its initial release, the BMW M1000RR continues to grow in popularity as the German motorcycle manufacturer’s most powerful superbike in its fleet. While chassis are limited and the prices increase, the creative team at LEGO is teaming up with BMW Motorrad to create a buildable small-scale example for collectors and enthusiasts to enjoy. The all-new LEGO Technic BMW M1000RR displays itself as an accurate 1:5 scale model with 1,920-pieces to complete the set. The set includes factory-style graphics and parts to enhance the experience of creating your own superbike, while displaying it proudly on a stand that includes specs of the BMW M1000RR. MUST-READ: The Top Automotive-Inspired LEGO Sets Available Now Along with the look and feel factors, LEGO took its design further with a functional 3-speed (+ neutral) gearbox, steering, front and rear suspension, chain transmission, and inline 4-piston engine. The LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR is part of a collection of LEGO builds for adults. Celebrating some of the world’s best-loved vehicles, these building sets for adults offer an insight into engineering combined with a relaxing building project. The new LEGO Technic BMW M1000RR is set to release on January 1st for $229. Prep the New Year release from LEGO x BMW Motorrad by clicking the link below for more information. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Learn More Source: LEGO

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