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 – December 07, 2021

BMW Delivers Millionth Electrified Vehicle, And That's Ju...

The future comes lightning fast. BMW has made good on a promise once thought a pipe dream by selling and delivering its millionth electrified vehicle. These include the iX, the i4, which were released just last month, and have been selling successfully, with an iX being the model that was sold to reach the goal of one million. BMW plans to release more electric vehicles in the near future, including electric versions of the X1, the 5 Series, and the 7 Series, as well as a new electric MINI Countryman, and the electric Rolls-Royce Spectre. In 2023 they plan to have at least one electric model available to 90% of their current market segments, and by the early 2030’s, both MINI and Rolls Royce will have fully electric lineups. In the even nearer future, BMW says that they have set a goal to sell two million electric vehicles by 2025, and by 2030, they want to have one out of every two BMW group vehicles sold to be electric. And while this might seem like something that doesn’t have the charging sustainability to back it up yet, BMW answers this issue by providing each owner a BMW Wallbox at-home charging system, and access to a growing network of over 250,000 charging points. Whether you expected it or not, BMW Group’s future is undeniably shocking. Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 30, 2021

BMW Reveals XM Concept At Art Basel Miami Beach

The Ultimate Driving Machine and the ultimate art fair are a match made in heaven. Yet again, BMW has partnered with Art Basel, and helped them put on quite a show in Miami Beach. This year, they offered their VIP shuttle service at the fair, and worked with Grammy-winning rapper Nas, as well as Brooklyn-based artist Kennedy Yanko to make a special announcement. Art Basel was the venue for BMW to reveal the XM Concept, which pushes the envelope of what BMW has done in the past, and hints at the design language we can expect to see from BMW in the future. MUST-READ: BMW’s M Division Is 50, And They Have Quite the Golden Year Planned Out Kennedy Yanko used the XM, as well as a creative dialogue with Nas to create an original sculpture “Intrinsic Sage,” which will be displayed alongside the XM concept throughout the Art Basel fair. Art Basel has been putting on art fairs across the world for more than 50 years, and BMW is celebrating its 50th year of corporate cultural engagement, since commissioning large scale paintings for the headquarters in Munich in 1971. The serendipity of this partnership truly made Art Basel and the announcement of the XM special, and no matter what, BMW’s art initiatives are always spectacular.

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 22, 2021

BMW To Extend PGA TOUR Title Sponsorship Through 2027

BMW has announced that it will continue its title sponsorship of the BMW Championship, which has been considered the PGA TOUR Tournament of the Year four times. Formerly the Western Open, BMW has been the title sponsor of the BMW Championship since 2007 and will continue to be the title sponsor through 2027, the end of which will mark 20 years of title sponsorship. Through this title sponsorship, BMW has helped organize golf across the country and has also helped organize golf tournaments in Germany, England, and Korea. PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan expresses “sincere thanks” to BMW for their continued commitment to the PGA TOUR and the Western Golf Association. Through this sponsorship, proceeds from the BMW Championship also contribute to scholarships for caddies through the Evans Scholars Foundation. This academic year, the BMW Championship has helped send 1,070 caddies to 21 major colleges and universities. WGA President and CEO John Kaczkowski says that BMW helped make the Evans Scholars Foundation a “truly national program.” Next year’s BMW Championship will be held at the Wilmington Country Club in Delaware, and the championship will return to Olympia Fields Country Club in Chicago in 2023. View All BMWs For Sale Source: BMW

By Edward Jones – November 17, 2021

2022 BMW M4 Competition x KITH For Sale

1 of 150. Towards the end of 2020, the BMW M4 Competition x KITH was unveiled as a very limited edition sports car that is as stylish as it is quick. Throughout the M4 Competition x KITH, there are special touches courtesy of KITH. These touches include the KITH badging on the exterior and interior, and even the KITCH logo worked into the headrests. Customers who ordered this very special M4 Competition were able to choose from three colors: Frozen Black, Frozen Brilliant White, and Frozen Dark Silver. Up for sale right now through Mall of Georgia MINI is one of the 150 M4 Competition x KITH in the world and 49 in the U.S. Finish in the Frozen Black paint, this is a one-owner car with just 30 miles on its odometer. It also comes with quick a few options like the M Carbon Bucket Seats, Driving Assistance Professional Package, Executive Package M Carbon Exterior Package, and more. You can learn all about this incredibly rare BMW by clicking the button below to view its online listing. View Price and Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 08, 2021

BMW x Joshua Vides Unveil The Artistic X4 M Competition &...

Dynamism emphasized thanks to Joshua Vides’ unmistakable style, the hand-painted BMW X4 M Competition x Joshua Vides. After much anticipation, BMW is proud to announce the newest collaboration project featuring visual artist Joshua Vides. The blank canvas displaying Joshua’s iconic black and white design is the performance-packed BMW X4 M Competition. The BMW X4 M Competition is one of the German auto manufacturer’s super-SUV, featuring a 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged 6-Cylinder that makes an astonishing 503-horsepower. The hand-painted design from Joshua Vides takes on a racing livery-style design that creates an aesthetically pleasing sense of depth to the traditional white paint scheme. The special project between BMW x Joshua Vides is part of the “Drive Slow Homie” series of work surrounding the intimate connection between mankind and machine. The BMW x Joshua Vides X4 M Competition will be on display at The Grove in Los Angeles for all of October opening this Friday at 9 am PST. MUST-READ: BMW Teases A New Upcoming Collaboration With Artist Joshua Vides Alongside the one-of-a-kind BMW X4 M Competition, BMW x Joshua Vides is proud to announce the release of its apparel and accessories collection. The collection includes sweatshirts, t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, hats, stickers, and accessories sporting BMW branded logos with the Joshua Vides artistic touch. The collection is set to release tonight at midnight, with the first 50 online and in-person orders receiving a complimentary gift from Joshua Vides himself. The collection is also available in-person at Matte Black Coffee in Los Angles, which will become the official BMW Cafe for the month of October. Shop the new collection release from BMW x Joshua Vides by visiting joshuavides.com at midnight. View all current BMW X4 M for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All BMW X4 M For Sale @joshuavides Media/Info Source: @joshuavides @bmw

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 05, 2021

BMW Announces A New Sustainable Individual Paint Process ...

The BMW M4 just got more customizable and eco-friendly with the manufacturer's new paint process. While some of the new performance sports cars for sale are highly exclusive, owners are looking to differentiate specs with one-of-a-kind paint schemes from the factory. While a paint-to-sample code may cost an added premium to the sticker price, BMW is proud to announce a new sustainable small series paint process for the new M4 chassis. Using a state-of-the-art EcoPaintJet Pro application, the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing offers an overspray-free process that will increase the degree of individualization for customers. MUST-READ: 2022 BMW M4 Competition Meets The M4 GT3 Traditionally, custom exterior colors require manual application with dedicated space and personnel, which is now eliminated along with higher costs. At around 7,000 operating hours, this results in energy savings of more than 6,000-megawatt-hours and reduces the carbon footprint by nearly 2,000 tonnes per year. With the paintwork for the M4 small series, the BMW Group is testing the possibilities of the new process. These unique vehicles will initially be used in the company's own fleet. Series introduction of the piloted paint process is scheduled to begin in 2022 in the BMW Group production network. View all current BMW M4 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All BMW M4 For Sale Media/Information Source: BMW Group

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 22, 2021

BMW Art Cars Go Digital With Help From Acute Art

Experience the iconic BMW Art Cars anywhere in the world straight from your phone. To celebrate 50 years of cultural commitment, BMW is joining forces with Acute Art to initiate a unique exhibition: For the first time ever the renowned BMW Art Car Collection is shown in augmented reality (AR). On July 21, the project is launched via the free Acute Art app, marking the first time that the digital rolling sculptures are available for everyone all around the world at any time. MUST-READ: 1979 BMW Art Car by Andy Warhol Heads to India he first BMW Art Cars can be experienced via the App: Alexander Calder (BMW 3.0 CSL, 1975), Michael Jagamara Nelson (BMW M3, 1989), Ken Done (BMW M3, 1989), Matazo Kayama (BMW 535i, 1990), Esther Mahlangu (BMW 525i, 1991), Jeff Koons (BMW M3 GT2, 2010) and John Baldessari (BMW M6 GTLM, 2016). From then on, further BMW Art Cars will be integrated in the Acute Art App every two weeks. On time for the Art Basel in Basel all Art Cars will be included in the App. To fully discover and experience the interactive BMW Art Cars, the Acute Art app is available free of charge on the App Store and Google Play. Media/Info Source: BMW Group

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 12, 2021

BMW Unveils The New Limited-Edition Black Vermilion X5/X6...

A stealth-like look for the new special edition BMW X5, X6, and X7. The BMW X5, X6, and X7 continue to lead the way as the brand’s luxury sport utility vehicles, with an array of performance trims to add excitement to daily commutes. The German automotive manufacturer is proud to announce a few new special edition examples to add to the X-Series lineup. New additions are the BMW X5 and BMW X6 Black Vermilion editions featuring exclusive equipment details. The BMW X7 edition in Frozen Black metallic combines impressive options into an exclusive package. While the new limited-edition packages include special options, the most noticeable feature is the vibrant gloss red kidney grilles and matte black paint finishes. Throughout the exterior, each X5/X6 model includes 22-inch, double-spoke 742 M light-alloy wheels with mixed tires designed exclusively for these edition models, red high-gloss M Sport brake calipers stand out as a striking visual highlight. The interior also presents new upgrades as the cabin is finished in Alcantara Anthracite with detailed touches to the piano black trim. Like the Black Vermilion editions, the new BMW X7 edition also has the BMW Individual special paint finish Frozen Black metallic, dispensing, however, with details in a contrasting color. A set of 22-inch BMW Individual Y-spoke 758 I alloy wheels in Orbit Grey matte are equipped to add a performance style to the special-edition SUV. The interior of the BMW X7 edition in Frozen Black metallic provides for an elegantly discreet atmosphere thanks to the M Alcantara Anthracite roof liner, the glass application Crafted Clarity and sun-protection glass. All three edition models go on sale with all engines available for each of their original models. They can be ordered with immediate effect, with the market launch beginning in August 2021. Media/Information Source: BMW Group For more BMW news, Check out PUMA x BMW M Motorsports Release The Autumn/Winter ’21 Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 07, 2021

BMW Motorrad Unveils The All-New CE 04. Electric Scooter

From race tracks to around the town commuting, BMW Motorrad has an option for you. While we have all seen the fleet of BMW performance-focused vehicles tear up the track and roads, there is another side of the brand that continues to lead the way on two wheels. BMW Motorrad is known for creating superbikes like the BMW M 1000RR for setting record lap times. On its new ventures, the German manufacturer is taking urban commuting to a whole new level. BMW Motorrad is proud to announce the all-new BMW CE 04. An electric scooter looking to pursue its electromobility strategy for urban conurbations. The new BMW CE 04 features a modernly designed chassis using sharp edges and a stealth-like matte paint scheme. Powering the new electric two-wheeler is an ample cell battery that provides a maximum output of 42hp, while it launches from 0-31mph in just 2.6 seconds. The CE 04 is equipped with safety features like ABS and traction control to ensure a comfortable riding experience for all skill levels. The new BMW CE 04 comes fitted as standard with a 10.25-inch TFT color screen with integrated map navigation and connectivity. Its excellent readability, clear menu navigation, and highly integrated operating concept put the new BMW CE 04 at the top of the scooter segment. For the first time, the new 10.25-inch color screen makes it possible to display a navigation map in the instrument cluster, so no additional display is needed. From the display, the rider can choose from three riding modes “ECO”, “Rain” and “Road” for efficient, day-to-day use as standard. “Dynamic” riding mode for further enhanced riding pleasure as an ex-works option. All in all, the all-new BMW Motorrad CE 04 is the perfect electric commuter scooter for anyone looking to blend efficient travel with luxury design and performance. Shop the all-new BMW CE 04 electric scooter starting at $11,795 by clicking the link below. Shop The 2022 BMW Motorrad CE 04. Media/Info Source: BMW Group For more BMW news, Check out PUMA x BMW M Motorsports Release The Autumn/Winter ’21 Collection

By Edward Jones – June 09, 2021

2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Revealed

More space and new style. The new 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe has been revealed and it brings with it many upgrade befitting of a second generation. Its new exterior features BMW's modern kidney grille along with new air vents that take away from the grille's size. BMW also changed the entire body of the new 4 Series Gran Coupe by expanding it in multiple directions, making it 5.9-inches longer, 1-inch wider and 2.1 inches taller. The wheelbase is also 1.8-inches longer and the tracks 1.6-inches bigger in the front and 0.7-inches in the rear. This increase in size allows the interior of the new Gran Coupe to be more spacious for passengers on the five full-size seats. As for power, it all depends on the model as BMW has unveiled two, the M440i xDrive Gran Coupe and 430i Gran Coupe. The more powerful M440i is powered by a TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that produces 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the 430i Gran Coupe's TwinPower Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. Expect the new 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe models to launch in August 2022. The M440i xDrive Gran Coupe has an price of $58,000 while the 430i Gran Coupe's price is $44,800. Both prices do not include the $995 destination fee. See All BMWs For Sale Source: BMW

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