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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

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 05, 2022

Only Artist-Signed BMW M850xi x Jeff Koons Sells Big At A...

The art-inspired BMW 8 Series sold for a cause. Earlier this year, BMW announced a creative collaboration for a cause with American artist Jeff Koons. The partnership took shape as a vibrant BMW M850xi Gran Coupé that features Jeff Koons’ 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. The luxury auction house professionals at Christie’s New York are proud to announce the sale of the first and only artist-signed THE 8 X JEFF KOONS chassis during its charity auction yesterday. MUST-READ: BMW Announces Its Special Edition M850xi Gran Coupé With Artist Jeff Koons After intense intentional bidding both online and on-site, the one-of-a-kind BMW M850xi Gran Coupé sold for an astonishing $475,000. The highlight of the entire event was the announcement that all proceeds from the six-figure sale would go directly to benefit the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children. The CMEC charity is one that Jeff Koons continues to advocate for after being involved with them for over 2-years. The partnership between BMW and Jeff Koons blends the best of both worlds while bringing awareness to a growing worldwide conflict. View all of the current BMW 8 Series models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming luxury gear releases and supercar news. View All BMW 8 Series For Sale Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 08, 2022

New 2022 BMW 8 Series Is Revealed At Amelia Island

BMW’s flagship coupé gets a fresh face and makes that announcement in the best place possible. BMW’s 8 Series Coupé, Convertible, and Gran Coupé have all been updated for 2022, and the announcement was made at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, which not only made for a spectacular reveal but also a spectacular celebration for BMW, as 2022 marks the 50th Anniversary of BMW M. MUST READ: BMW Teases New M3 Touring And Vindicates Wagon Fans Everywhere The new model features plenty of upgrades, which include a signature “Iconic Glow” BMW kidney grille which is now illuminated, as well as a Control Display that has increased in size to an incredible 12.3 inches. However, the new 8 Series wasn’t the only car on display at Amelia Island. With it came an entire fleet of BMW M cars, from iconic, to rare, to one-off, all there to celebrate half a century of motorsport excellence. These included the one-off M8 prototype, based on the modern classic 8 Series of the 1990s, a 1980 BMW M1, the Le Mans-winning BMW V12 LMR, and the new, all-electric BMW iX M60. BMW M has been a constant staple in the world of performance luxury cars for 50 years, and the new 8 Series is just one look into an even longer future. Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 02, 2022

BMW Is Premiering The New 2023 8 Series

The Amelia starts tomorrow, and BMW is bringing a special surprise with them to the weekend. The Amelia is one of the world’s most renowned Concours D’Elegance events, held at the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island in sunny northeast Florida. There, viewers can catch a glimpse at some of the rarest, greatest, and most beautiful cars ever made, from the past, present, and future. One of the future cars that will be at The Amelia will be making its global debut there and showing itself for the first time, and that car is the new 2023 BMW 8 Series. In time to celebrate 50 Years of BMW’s M division, the new 8 Series Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe will be on display throughout the weekend at The Amelia. MUST READ: BMW’s New i4 and iX Get A Google Cloud AR Experience Ahead Of US Launch What we can expect to see, as with most of the updated BMW models that have been coming out, starts with an updated kidney grill, as BMW has taken their iconic grill shape and made it larger, edgier, and more modern. Along with that, BMW says that this new grill will be illuminated, and that along with that update will come new colors, new technology, and a fresher exterior throughout. The new 8 Series is joining a few other BMWs at The Amelia, as well. On Saturday, March 5, 50 vehicles, representing the 50 years of BMW M will be on display on the show field. And four very special cars will also be on view: the one-off BMW M8 prototype, derived from the cult-classic 90s 8 Series, with its beloved V12 and pop-up headlights, the 2023 BMW iX M60, BMW’s ultra-fast future electric SUV, capable of a 3.6-second 0-60 time, a BMW Classic restored 1980 M1, BMW’s legendary mid-engined supercar, and the 1999 BMW V12 LMR, which won the Sebring and Le Mans classics in the same year. BMW has an amazing Amelia weekend ahead, celebrating its motorsport past, present, and future. All BMWs For Sale Source: BMW

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 Andrew Nabors – April 23, 2021

BMW M8 Gran Coupe is Where Power Meets Luxury

Tired of losing to CTS-Vs? Don't listen to the mainstream media. Fast BMW sedans are still a hot commodity, and they allow you to social distance very quickly. So if you need 617 horsepower at all wheels, the M8 does it best. I would be sure to leave the xDrive AWD system engaged because 4 wheel drifts are more fun than a barrel of monkeys. They are also quite stylish, as you can see in our latest Wheels x Wardrobe compilation. The exhaust from the turbos opens up to allow 553 lbs of torque to appear at any rpm. This car is as precise as a scalpel but as smooth as polished stainless. Throw on some Akropovic pipes and the local gentry will be amazed. Click the button to find your M8 and you will not regret it! Browse New BMW M8 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 22, 2020

2021 BMW 8 Series Golden Thunder Edition Unveiled

Automakers have been encroaching on the aftermarket for years. What began as the rebirth of personalization programs has evolved into an assault on custom shops. McLaren Special Operations, Porsche Exclusive, and Q by Aston Martin have serious credibility by dealers and owners alike, and now BMW is reasserting the power of their Individual program. Focusing on all three versions of the 8 Series, the Golden Thunder Edition was just unveiled. Starting with Sapphire Black or Frozen Black, the ecstasy of gold can be found on almost every body panel. Inside, gold embroidery adorns the black Merino Leather seats along with the microfiber headliner. Gold-anodized aluminum is also used throughout for an unmistakable experience. This package is available on every 8 Series Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe', but not the M8. Our dealers have all the info, so click the button below and stay with us for all your BMW news. Browse BMW 8 Series For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 14, 2020

BMW Welt is Open Again

With many of the world's best museums still closed, the masters in Munich are ready to welcome guests again. In a press release this morning we've learned that BMW Welt is open again. Showcasing the history of BMW from early airplanes to the latest M8, the facility's new hours are 8 am to 8 pm. This includes the Lifestyle & Accessory store, Cooper's Bistro, and the 2-star EssZimmer restaurant. Test drives will resume on Saturday for the electric Mini SE, with each car being sterilized between guests. If you want a similar experience on a smaller scale, BMW USA's headquarters in Spartanburg, South Carolina should also be on your list. Click the button below for great offers on the new BMW M8 for sale. Browse BMW M8

By Andrew Nabors – July 11, 2019

2020 BMW 840i xDrive Unveiled

When it comes to new models, BMW does it right. Instead of starting at the bottom, the first 8 Series we saw was the race-ready M8 GTE. Then came the M850i xDrive coupe and convertible. If you don't need a twin-turbo V8, your car has finally arrived. In a press release this morning, we see the 2020 BMW 840i xDrive unveiled. There is something about a straight-six BMW convertible that is timeless. Their latest 3.0L is 13 lbs lighter and packs TwinPower turbos. Each turbo is fed by 3 cylinders, and this ingenious approach has zero turbo lag. It offers 335 horsepower between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm, along with 368 lb-ft of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. This broad powerband allows the xDrive coupe to reach 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, with the convertible doing it in 4.6. Unfortunately, they have reverted back to timing belts, so expect an intense service schedule. The xDrive system is optional on the coupe and convertible, and it defaults to Rear Wheel Drive until you need AWD traction. The 2020 BMW 840i xDrive Coupe is priced at $90,800 plus the $995 Destination charge. Our dealers have all the 8-Series info, so click the link below to find one near you and stay with us for all your BMW news. Find Your 8-Series Here " width="680">

By Edward Jones – June 19, 2019

2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Revealed: 840i and M850i

The new 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe has been unveiled by the German automaker in three different variants: 840i, 840i xDrive and M850i xDrive. As with all BMWs with xDrive in their model names, all-wheel drive is available for both the 840i and M850i. Being a Gran Coupe, these new models are larger when compared to the 8 Series Coupe. To put it specifically, this new model is 9 inches longer, 1.2 inches wider and 2.2 inches taller. The new 8 Series Gran Coupe also has an extra 7.9 inches in its wheelbase. Source: BMW For the two variants, there are two different engines at play. The 840i Gran Coupe will get a TwinPower 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. For the top-of-the-line M850i Gran Coupe, a TwinPower 4.4-liter V8 engine will be the source of power. This engine is capable of producing 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. BMW says that's enough to get the M850i xDrive from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Mated to each of the engines is the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. Source: BMW Pricing was also announced for the models by BMW. The new 2020 840i Gran Coupe starts at $84,900, the 840i xDrive at $87,800 and the M850i xDrive Gran Coupe at $108,900. These prices do not include the $995 destination charge. Expect them to launch in September 2019. See All BMWs For Sale Source: BMW

By Andrew Nabors – January 03, 2019

BMW Individual Unveils M850i Night Sky Edition

This is the one you have been waiting for. BMW has spent a few years developing the 8 Series to make sure it surpasses everyone's expectations. Two distinct teams were brought together to show the world an astronomical new concept. BMW Individual along with the M Performance division joined forces for this breathtaking build. The M850i Night Sky is a one-off example that captures the imagination. To show the public what BMW Individual can do, the 3D printed center console has illuminated constellations in lieu of traditional lighting. Inspiration from above can also be seen in the seat backrests, exterior trim, and even the brake calipers. Lamborghini Aventador vs 1,000 Horsepower BMW It will be outside starting tonight in order to coincide with the year's first meteor shower. Today and tomorrow we will pass through the trail of Asteroid 2003 EH. The falling stars can also be seen in the center console. It has been machined of meteorites along with the door sills, starter button, and the shifter. They turned to the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics to make sure the materials were cut correctly. Meteorites have a unique Widmanstätten grain when polished. The sparkles of rare elements like iridium form a crystalline pattern. A bath of acid and heat was used to give the iron crystals a look of wet ice. This attention to detail is available to all BMW Individuals, so click the link below to find a new 8-Series near you. BMW 8 Series For Sale " width="680">

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