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 Edward Jones – January 16, 2019

2020 BMW 7 Series Makes its Entrance

The new 2020 BMW 7 Series has been unveiled by the German automaker as a redefined take on their flagship luxury-class model. It features a redesigned style that gives it a bold appearance on and off of the road. In the front are new headlights with adaptive LED tech as standard. Customers can also opt for the Laserlight tech if they want to take their lighting game to the next level. Between the two headlights is a new kidney grille that's 40% larger. Underneath the grille is a new front bumper with air inlets on either side and chrome edging. The back of the new 7 Series is where it's at, thanks to the new LED rear lights. These new tail lights are 1.4-inches slimmer than the outgoing model and extend across the entire tailgate thanks to a light strip that's only 0.2-inches wide. Other additions to the new 7 Series include new light-alloy wheels, new paint finishes, extra insulation around the rear wheels arches, 0.2-inches of added thickness in the laminated glass, two-inch height increase in the front of the car and much more. BMW will be offering the following 2020 7 Series models in the United States: 740i, 740i xDrive, 750i xDrive, 745e xDrive, and M760i xDrive. Interestingly enough, the M760i xDrive will be powered by a 6.6-liter V12 engine. This power plant provides the sedan with 600 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. BMW says this power will allow the car to run 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. Long live the BMW V12! Pricing has not been stated yet, but BMW has said that market launch is set for April 2019. Expect pricing closer to the launch date. If you need additional information, be sure to give your local BMW dealership a visit. find your local bmw dealer Also Check Out: BMW Group Sees Best-Ever Sales Figures in 2018 The Last Manual BMW Will Be the M4 BMW Individual Unveils M850i Night Sky Edition

By Andrew Nabors – July 25, 2017

BMW Celebrates With the 7 Series Edition 40 Jahre

Break out the nice china and some champagne, because BMW's biggest is turning 40. A press release from Munich last night outlined the details of the special anniversary. The new BMW 7 Series Edition 40 Jahre will be formally unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Limited to only 200 cars, each one will be built to order at the Dingolfing factory. Being the birthplace of every 7 Series, the skilled builders have been turning them out since 1977.Although they will be available with six, eight, and twelve cylinder power, who would order a six cylinder anniversary model? To make your decision process even harder, they will be offered in short and long wheelbase versions. Your choice of exterior finish will be limited to two choices from BMW Individual. Frozen Silver Metallic is a brilliant silk-matte appearance that accentuates the curves in the body and the ground effects. Petrol Mica Metallic is a new take on the blue they've used for decades. Many coats of clear mixed with metal flake are applied in a time-intensive process.You will also have two choices for the interior. Smoke white over black is for the traditionalists who see the world in only in greyscale. Smoke white over Cohiba speaks to the cigar aficionado. We are based in the Tampa area, so we approve of the reference to Cuba before Castro. Trim can either be piano black or Eucalyptus wood in smoke brown. Anniversary badging is found on the dash, headrests, b-pillars and even the floor mats. Your local BMW dealer will be able to order the new 7 Series in October. And as-always, if you are looking for a pre-owned BMW we have plenty to choose from. Stay with us for all your BMW news.

By Andrew Nabors – May 18, 2017

BMW 760Li Goes for Top Speed on the Autobahn

If you had twelve cylinders and two turbochargers, would you use them in a proper fashion? That is the question every supercar owner must ask themselves when it comes time for something new. You might not consider BMW's new 7 Series to be a supercar, but it is changing the industry for full-size sedans. The body is made of carbon fiber modules linked by high strength steel and aluminum. It is lighter and stronger than anything in its class, so it was also bestowed with incredible power. While a 4.4 liter V8 is fine for most, the top model M760Li borrows the 6.6 liter twin-turbo V12 from the Rolls-Royce Wraith and Dawn.Also Check Out: Hot Cars For SaleThis monster makes 590 lb-ft of torque and 610 horsepower. It can reach 62 mph in 3.7 seconds, and the M Driver's Package allows for a top speed limited to 189 mph. To see if it really is "The Ultimate Driving Machine", our friends at AutoTopNL decided to hit the Autobahn. Because factory speedometers are often as slow as the Pony Express, this run features an aftermarket GPS speedo on the windshield. A clear view of the torque display shows a max of 800 newton-meters, or almost 600 lb-ft. Most cars we review don't allow brake-boosting, so you turbo enthusiasts will be spoiled. Watch how the quick the gear changes pull timing. Torque drops out to save on transmission wear but its almost imperceptible without the gauge. If you are looking for a new BMW 760 for sale, our dealers will be happy to help you. As always, stay with us for more wild & unlimited Autobahn action.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 12, 2016

Revealed: The New 2017 BMW M760Li xDrive

The BMW 7 Series is gaining a new, prestigious and powerful family member. Time to meet the M760Li xDrive. With this model, BMW tops its class in power, luxury, and technology.A 6.6-liter V12 TwinPower Turbo delivers 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, which puts the M760Li xDrive at the top of its class.An exclusive and "state-of-the-art eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission" comes standard in the new model. Thanks to the twin turbo technology, the car accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and hits top speeds of 155 mph when electronically limited, but without electronic limitation the new 7 series can reach 189 mph.2016 BMW M760Li xDrive Specs Price: TBD Engine: 6.6-liter V12 TwinPower Turbo Horsepower: 600 hp 0–60: 3.9 seconds Top Speed: 155 mph/ 189 mph Transmission: 8-speed automatic Torque: 590 lb-ft ExteriorThe new luxury sedan is setting records and beating one model after another in its class. BMW is calling the new edition to the 7-series "discreet and luxurious" a characterized by its sleek matte Cerium Gray finish and 20-inch light-alloy wheels complete with subtle highlighting thanks to strips across the front apron and door handles. According to a press release from BMW, "other notable exterior features include the mirror caps, likewise in Cerium Grey, V12 badges on the C-pillars, the M logos on the sides of the car and the xDrive lettering and model badge at the rear."InteriorThe steering wheel features exclusive M leather and and the M logo. The steering wheel includes a host of Pearl Gloss Chrome buttons and shift paddles for those that prefer manual gear changes. The front seats are adjusted electrically and Nappa leather covers the seats. The new model even includes deep-pile floor mats so passengers feel as though they're stepping on plush carpet.For the first time, the 7 Series will also feature the iDrive operating system, which will enable riders to control various aspects like volume control and accepting/rejecting phone calls with the wave of a hand. According to the press release, "Hand movements detected by a 3D sensor control infotainment functions in an extremely intuitive and user-friendly fashion."The price for the M760Li xDrive hasn't yet been release, but rest assured we'll keep you updated as we learn more.BMWs For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 08, 2016

Revealed: 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 BiTurbo

A quick trip to BMW's website under the "M" section will show that the M7 isn't currently listed in their lineup-- unfortunate, we agree. If you're upset about the lack of a more powerful 7-Series, don't worry, because the new 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo is here.Powering this supercar-like sedan is a 4.7-liter V8 that utilizes BMW's Bi-Turbo technology. Its power is rated at a remarkable 608 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. This power flowing through an 8-Speed Sport-Automatic transmission gives the new B7 the ability to run 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 193 mph, even with a dry weight of 4,541 lbs.2017 BMW ALPINA B7 BiTurbo Specs Engine: BiTurbo 4.7-liter V8 Horsepower: 608 Torque: 590 lb-ft Dry Weight: 4,541 Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic 0-62 mph: 4.2 seconds Top Speed: 193 mph Being a luxury sedan of its magnitude, the new B7 glides across the pavement as a result of the inclusion of Dynamic Damper Control (DDC) and Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview. With DDC, the car's can be adjusted up or down for a total adjustable range of 40 mm, giviing the driver the ability to ride smooth on any road.Separating the new B7 from the rest of the crowd is the fresh interior and exterior. On the outside are new body components in the form of aero enhancements that give the B7 a new face and rear. More notable are the 20-inch ALPINA CLASSIC alloy wheels, centered around a 20-spoke architecture. Need bigger wheels? They also offer a 21-inch version as an option. Inside the cabin a refined interior laid with Nappa leather and highlighted by the digital instrument panel and media display.Pricing for the 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 BiTurbo is unknown, but we should get more details as we get closer to the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show.ALPINA B7s For Sale

By Caitlin Duffy – July 17, 2015

Designing the BMW 7 Series

The 2016 7 Series from BMW is a stunning sedan that plays host to a wide range of new technologies and innovations from the marque.From gesture-controlled infotainment systems, to ambient lighting changes, customized scents, a larger heads up display and the ability to maneuver itself into and out of parking spaces, it's a step far into the future. It was all announced during the model's release June 10, but how do you go about designing the look for such a spectacular car?BMW shared a few photos from the design process on their Facebook page July 15, from the initial sketches, to a full scale drawing, to the carving of a clay model and stitching of leather for the seats. Despite the technological innovations present in the car, its design is an intricate and gentle process defined by human touch - one that a computer could never replicate or replace.(See Also: BMW X5 M Featuring M Performance Livery)Take a moment to get a closer look at the images from the process in the gallery below, and find your dream BMW from our exclusive listings.BMWs For Sale Gallery (Source: Facebook) See More BMW News

By Caitlin Duffy – June 23, 2015

BMW Individual for the 7 Series

The new 7-series from BMW is already a beyond impressive creation, with levels of technology and luxury rarely seen. But, of course, there is always a way to make them just a little bit better."It all starts with a striking first impression, conveying personal style and taste," describes a video from BMW, added to YouTube June 22, showing just how the 7 Series can become even better.The BMW Individual program allows you to create a bespoke vehicle, from the exterior color, to the type of leather used to cloak the interior. The particular example used in the video features Merino leather in Tartufo and Almondine brown metallic paint.Of course, these designer touches are in addition to the existing luxury in each 7 Series. From the Welcome Light Carpet that illuminates during entry and exit of the vehicle, to the customized Ambient Fragrances and Ambient Light, each feature makes the car feel more and more as though it was created especially for you.(See Also: Winners of the 2015 International Engine of the Year Awards)Learn all about the 7 Series in our June 10 article about its unveiling, and watch the video above to learn about the bespoke design options available. When you're finished, check out our list of BMW dealers, and find one near you to begin creating your custom 7 Series.7 Series Listings (Source: YouTube) See More BMW News

By Caitlin Duffy – June 10, 2015

New 2016 BMW 7-Series Launched (Mega Gallery)

It was first teased in a tantalizing video April 27, and now, less than two months later, we get to see it in its full glory: the new 2016 BMW 7-Series.Sleek, powerful and discretely understated, this new take on the 7-Series is filled to the brim with technologies straight from any spy film of the 20th or 21st century. As the press release issued today tells us, it can pull itself out of your garage or in to a tight parking space. Buttons are obsolete thanks to touch screens and gesture controls. The heads up display is larger and brighter.Creating a luxurious ambiance was key in the development of this new line, and it's apparent in every detail. From the Ambient light option, to Ambient Fragrances, you can select the colors you want to be surrounded by and the scents your nose prefers.There's even a Welcome Light Carpet, a line of light strips along the side of the car that illuminate as you enter and exit.Of course, nothing can describe its features quite as well as the video "The all-new BMW 7 Series. All you need to know." from BMW, added to their YouTube page today. Check the informational video out above, the official launch video below, and an insanely large gallery detailing every feature of this technologically advanced line. Then, when you're finished, browse our exclusive BMW listings to find a dealer near you, and prepare to order your 7 Series model as soon as it is available.BMW Listings Gallery (Source: YouTube, BMW) See More BMW News

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