BMW News

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 Tyler Rampersaud – January 05, 2023

The New BMW i Vision Dee Concept Is A Color Changing, VR-...

This quirky BMW concept promises to be both car and companion. It’s called the i Vision Dee, and its fun, easygoing-sounding name is actually an acronym, standing for Digital Emotional Experience. Unveiled today at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the small sedan concept first shows off the versatility of BMW’s iconic design language. Minimalistically shaped and boxy, the simplistic design, featuring a kidney grille that spans the width of the front and blends into the headlights, serves as a sort of canvas for the car’s bright colors. These bright colors use a more advanced version of the E Ink technology introduced on BMW’s earlier iX Flow Concept, which allows the car to change between 32 colors in seemingly limitless patterns, while the iX Flow was able to change between black and white. MUST READ: PUMA Motorsport Honors The BMW M4 With An All-New BMW LGND Sneaker The i Vision Dee’s advanced technology revolves around a head-up display that spans the entire width of the dashboard, using a new Mixed Reality Slider to customize displays of an unprecedented amount of content and information. With dimmable windows, this head-up display even allows for the use of virtual reality. The Advanced Head-Up Display is a technology that BMW promises will be offered on its “Neue Klasse” models from 2025 onwards. Where the car becomes a companion is in its advanced communication systems, with the ability to make “facial expressions” and use voice and avatars to express itself between human and machine. With this new technology, BMW hopes to make driving more fun, more safe, and more personal. View All BMWs For Sale Source: BMW

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 15, 2022

PUMA Motorsport Honors The BMW M4 With An All-New BMW LGN...

Being an active sponsor in the world of automotive racing, PUMA Motorsport prides itself on testing its apparel, footwear, and accessories amongst the best racing drivers on the planet. Working with industry leaders like BMW M Motorsport, the global sports company creates collections inspired by milestone examples from the past, present, and future. PUMA is proud to honor the legacy of BMW M Motorsport with a bold new footwear design. The all-new PUMA BMW LGND sneaker draws inspiration from the BMW M4 Series and the famous Speedcat racing shoe. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Automotive-Inspired Sneakers By Puma Motorsport Available Now The low-cut silhouette incorporates the notorious BMW M colors into its design, subtly hinting at shades of red, blue, and purple. Other noticeable accents on the BMW LGND also point out significant areas of the M4, such as its chrome trim pieces, unique headlight system, and aggressive hood styling. Designed as the perfect everyday sneaker, the PUMA BMW LGND aims to perform on any road or track. The all-new PUMA BMW LGND sneaker will be available online and in select stores soon. Shop all of the BMW M Motorsport collections from PUMA by clicking on the link below. Shop PUMA Motorsport Source: PUMA

By duPont REGISTRY – December 08, 2022

1 of 399 1979 BMW M1 Listed for Sale

Produced to compete in the 1976 Group Five racing series, the BMW M1 is both the brand's first mid-engined vehicle and arguably its first supercar. It's powered by the same twin-cam 3.5-liter straight-six that lived under the M5's hood, developing 273 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. During its short production run from 1979 to 1981, the German carmaker produced just 399 examples of the M1, making it easily one of the rarest BMWs ever made. Today's vehicle listed for sale is a very early 1979 model and the 11th M1 built. According to the seller, it was the first M1 to wear blue paint and was delivered initially to BMW AG's Press Department on January 10th, 1979. It shows 24,518 miles on the clock and is in excellent condition. MUST-READ: 2023 BMW M4 CSL First Drive Review: Focused, Raw, and Exciting As this vehicle lived in a private collection for many years, it was not ready to be driven and enjoyed. Thus the seller sent it off to Oldenzaal Classics B.V. for proper maintenance. The result is more than 450 hours invested in ensuring that this M1 is mechanically sound and ready for a new owner to enjoy. The vehicle is currently listed for sale by Ferrari Los Angeles with an asking price of $799,000. For more information, please call (888)-699-9351 or click the link below. View Listing

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 28, 2022

The New BMW 3.0 CSL Is Limited To 50 Examples To Celebrat...

To end a year of amazing anniversary celebrations, BMW honors the original M legend. It was 50 years ago when BMW Motorsport introduced the 3.0 CSL, a cutting-edge performance coupe built to be homologated for track domination, and track domination is exactly what it did, spending the 1970s as a force to be reckoned with in touring car championships. The car was a true legend, with its powerful inline 6-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, and lightweight construction using things like aluminum, which was radical in its time. MUST READ: BMW x GOODS WITH FREUDE Launch An All-New Winter Capsule Collection, Available Now The 3.0 CSL was one of the first cars to put BMW’s Motorsport division on the map, and 50 years later, M has become one of the most desired, admired, and legendary names in the entire world of performance. Now, the 3.0 CSL is back, and it does exactly what the original did in the 70s, except now, for the modern age. With cutting-edge performance and a true driver’s car ethos, this incredibly limited model pays the perfect tribute to BMW M’s epic legacy. It boasts the same rear-wheel drive, manual transmission, and inline 6-cylinder engine as the original, however, this time it boasts 560 horsepower, well over double the amount of the original CSL. It also features the most modern carbon fiber construction for weight reduction and the same dramatic “Batmobile” aerodynamics that made the 3.0 CSL’s design iconic. A legendary collector’s piece, the new BMW 3.0 CSL is limited to just 50 examples, a reference to BMW M’s incredible 50-year history. After half a century of motorsport and performance success, BMW had to blow the celebration out of the park, and the new 3.0 CSL was the way to do it. View All BMW 3.0 CSLs For Sale Source: BMW

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 23, 2022

BMW x GOODS WITH FREUDE Launch An All-New Winter Capsule ...

Establishing itself as “The Ultimate Driving Machine”, BMW’s early involvement in motorsports has allowed the brand to grow and evolve into the industry leader it is today. Having a successful grasp on the automotive world, the German manufacturer is proud to incorporate its processes and values into a line of lifestyle products that accentuate the luxury vehicles they represent. BMW is excited to announce its newest collaboration with the fashion specialists at GOODS WITH FREUDE, featuring a sustainable line of apparel that boasts minimalist design and great versatility. MUST-READ: 2022 BMW M5 CS Review: M Performance At Its Best The winter collection is inspired by a blend of BMW’s M Division and the street art of the US West Coast and lowrider scene. Each example of the exclusive 12-piece capsule collection is made from high-quality, durable, and resource-conserving materials that stick to a timeless color palette. The line includes jackets, sweaters, shirts, pants, hats, and other accessories made to keep you warm during the cold winter months. The all-new BMW x GOODS WITH FREUDE Collection is currently available on BMW’s Lifestyle Website starting at $40. View all current BMW models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All BMW For Sale Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 11, 2022

The New BMW R 1250 RS Comes With Improvements For Comfort...

BMW’s new sporty bike is here and ready to enjoy. Throughout 40 years of BMW Motorrad’s history, the RS designation has indicated a boxer-engined bike with the performance and dynamism to make country-road rides entertaining, but also the sophistication and comfort to make longer journeys easy. The new BMW R 1250 RS continues to live up to its name, as BMW has given the new model more technology for both increased performance riding pleasure and long-haul comfort. MUST READ: BMW Reveals 7 New Custom R 18 Builds From Polish Builders The bike’s 2-cylinder engine makes 136 horsepower with variable valve timing to deliver strong performance across the RPM range. For long rides, BMW introduces a new standard ECO riding mode to the R 1250 RS, which maximizes riding range. If you need to pass or want maximum performance on-demand, you can easily switch to a different riding mode. Optionally, the R 1250 RS Adventure is able to be equipped with highly configurable Pro riding modes. BMW’s Integral ABS Pro and Dynamic Brake Control come standard, along with a TFT color display, redesigned LED signal lights, and an LED daytime running light. Also for longer touring rides, the R 1250 RS features a standard USB port, as well as seat heating for both the rider and pillion. Whether for performance or for long trips, the new BMW R 1250 RS is a bike that is sure to please. View All BMW Motorcycles For Sale Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 03, 2022

BMW Reveals 7 New Custom R 18 Builds From Polish Builders

Nothing’s cooler than custom. The BMW R 18, on its own, is an amazing retro-inspired bike. The “Big Boxer” boasts a classic silhouette and styling that calls to the classic bikes it’s inspired by. It’s powerful, fun, and stylish, and the only way to elevate that style and fun factor is with a custom build, and that’s exactly what builders in Canada, Italy, and Japan have done with the stylish cruiser. Now, Poland joins the group with seven unique custom bike builds based on the R18. MUST READ: The New BMW R 1250 R Boasts Updated Tech And Style ZK Motors in Kielce created the BMW R 18 Black Jack, a custom build that combines black lacquer with black chrome, creating a sleek and elegant finish. The tough look is complemented by 16-inch wheels with large tires, as well as a matte black side pipe exhaust and a “Black Jack” emblem on the engine made from milled aluminum. Dobrzanski Team Customs in Kraków created the BMW R 18 Isle of Man, inspired by the legendary course where the Tourist Trophy has been held since 1907. It features an “Isle of Man green” paint finish like the one from the BMW M4, and other Isle of Man history-inspired touches. Nine Hills Motorcycles from Chełmno was responsible for the BMW R 18 Liberty, where Paweł Stachura commissioned the bike to feature handmade bodywork, handmade leather surfaces, and a lowered, fully-adjustable rear suspension with a lowered fork. The wheels are 18 inches at the rear and 21 inches at the front, and various CNC-milled features as well as a short black exhaust finish the incredible build. Inchcape Wrocêaw, a BMW and MINI dealer in Wroclaw created the BMW R 18 Roadster. It’s Art Deco-inspired with a redesigned seat bench, handlebars, and a newly-designed front mudguard with the famous BMW kidney grille. In Poznań, BMW dealer Smorawiński created the BMW R 18 Roar, a bike that focused on making the bike look lighter. A redesigned rear mudguard and a “silencerless” exhaust enhance the sound and look of the bike, and wire-spoke wheels with chrome brake calipers give the bike a purist feel. Swadzim’s Inchcape used the Speedy Gonzales cartoon mouse as the inspiration for its BMW R 18 Speedy Gonzales build. It features a single seat and a blue-black paint finish with airbrush anf filigree lines. With its intricate detail and extravagant looks, it is sure to turn heads. Team Długołęka and UNIKAT Motorworks created the BMW R 18 The Great Wave. It features patinaed paintwork made to look aged done by famed Polish artist Łukasz Elbalenko. The theme was the famous Japanese Great Wave. Natural leather, classic tires, and flat drag bar handlebars complete the classic, vintage, rugged look. These custom BMW R 18 motorcycles show off creativity and style at the next level. View All BMW Motorcycles For Sale Source: BMW Motorrad

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 28, 2022

The New BMW R 1250 R Boasts Updated Tech And Style

This BMW bike is the definition of fun on two wheels. With its boxer engine and roadster style, the BMW R 1250 R is a sporty and enjoyable motorcycle for just about any type of ride. Recently, BMW Motorrad has announced updates for the R 1250 R that make it even easier to enjoy. Whether it’s high power, efficiency, technology, or style, the BMW R 1250 R is a bike that’s able to deliver, especially with its most recent additions. MUST READ: BMW Announces M Performance Parts For The New BMW M2 The136-horsepower engine has been optimized for the best possible fuel consumption and emissions levels, featuring 3 riding modes including an “ECO” mode that focuses on saving fuel. In addition, the bike features standard LED turn signals and a standard LED daytime-running light, and an optional full LED headlamp with an adaptive turning light. For easy control, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control, and BMW Motorrad ABS Pro all come as standard, and the bike features special equipment spoke wheels, and two variations: Triple Black and Sport for individualized style. With its newest improvements, the new BMW R 1250 R is a bike that’s hard not to enjoy. View All BMW Motorcycles For Sale Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 26, 2022

BMW Announces M Performance Parts For The New BMW M2

The new BMW M2 gets even better. As part of the year of celebration of BMW M’s 50th anniversary, BMW announced a new generation of the BMW M2, which is set to be launched early next year. Along with the launch of the new car comes the launch of a collection of available BMW M Performance parts with it, which all help enhance the looks and performance of this small but mighty German performance machine. MUST READ: Kith Celebrates The 50th Anniversary Of BMW’s M Division With A New Capsule Collection, Available Now With carbon fiber parts for the exterior like an available front splitter, air intake, side skirt, lip spoiler, mirror caps, roof spoiler, and rear diffuser, you’re able to add even more racing-inspired edge and extra performance ability to the new BMW M2. To match, an available titanium silencer system enhances the sound and performance of the car as well. The interior features available open-pore carbon fiber for a unique take on carbon fiber’s racing-ready look. Directly changing the experience of being behind the wheel of the new BMW M2 is the available M Performance Steering Wheel. Combining leather with carbon fiber and Alcantara, the wheel, with a flattened bottom, provides the driver with a timeless racing feel. The new BMW M2 packs amazing performance in a small package, and the available BMW M Performance parts do even more. View All BMW M2s For Sale Source: BMW

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 12, 2022

Kith Celebrates The 50th Anniversary Of BMW's M Division ...

Kith reprises its partnership with automobile brand BMW to create a multi-faceted experience highlighting two redesigned vehicles and a co-branded apparel and accessories collection. Since its partnership began in late 2020, BMW x Kith have created a bridge that directly connects luxury streetwear with the automotive world through shared values and a passion for performance. The dynamic duo is back on-scene to shock enthusiasts once again with another creative collaboration from the mind of Kith founder Ronnie Feig. After announcing the BMW x Kith i4 M50 limited production series, the team of fashion specialists went to work to design an apparel and accessories collection that would pair perfectly with all-electric M series sports car. MUST-READ: BMW x Kith Collaborate With A New BMW i4 M50 Limited To 7 Examples Worldwide The new Kith for BMW Collection celebrates the successful ongoing relationship between both brands, as well as the 50th Anniversary of BMW’s legendary M Division. The head-to-toe line up includes styles featured in darker earth tones as an homage to the early paint and interior finishes offered by the German auto manufacturer. Alongside warm and comfy Fall/Winter outerwear, the release also highlights collectible pieces like baggage, hats, candles, sports gear, home furnishings, vehicle accessories, mugs, sunglasses, and a crystal BMW roundel. Each piece showcases period correct graphics and logos to commemorate the humble beginnings of what now is one o the most successful luxury car brands in the world. The new Kith for BMW Collection is currently available through the Kith website starting at $40. View all current BMW models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle news and releases. VIEW ALL BMW FOR SALE Source: Kith

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