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 duPont Registry – April 18, 2023

1980 BMW M1 Listed For Sale

It shows 23,087 miles on the clock.

By Edward Jones – April 17, 2023

2024 BMW X7: 5 Reasons This Luxury SUV Is Perfect For You

Looking for a new luxury SUV? Here are 5 reasons as to why the new 2024 BMW M7 should be your next vehicle.

By Gabriel Vega – April 17, 2023

2024 BMW i7 M70 xDrive Debuts As A 650-HP Supersized Luxu...

It offers an EPA-estimated 295 miles of range.

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 11, 2023

BMW Doubles Its EV Sales In Q1 2023

BMW starts the year off with electrifying numbers.

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 15, 2023

BMW Announces New All-Electric M Performance 5 Series

In October, BMW will reveal an electric future for its staple 5 Series.

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 13, 2023

Mansory Gives The BMW X7 A Makeover

Mansory gives unique design to an iconic luxury SUV.

By Gabriel Vega – March 08, 2023

2023 BMW i7 xDrive60 Review: Rolling Like A Rolls

The seventh-generation 7 Series is a BMW luxury sedan with a whiff of Rolls-Royce.

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 16, 2023

BMW Reveals Updated X5 And X6 Models For 2023

BMW’s luxury SUV staple plans to stay on top. The BMW X5 and X6 are some of the world’s most successful luxury SUVs, having earned their place in the market with great style, competent performance, and the luxury and comfort that makes for an enjoyable and relaxing drive. However, BMW has announced new updates for both models that will make them maven better once the updates are launched in April. For the X5, the updates start with the exterior, where the modern slim headlights are now standard, and the illuminated Iconic Glow kidney grille is now offered as an option for the 6-cylinder models. In addition, a new taillight design creates an X-shaped pattern across the rear of the vehicle. MUST READ: Limited 2024 BMW M3 CS Debuts With Carbon-Fiber Components, 543 HP, and a $119,695 Price Tag For the X6, the M sport package is now offered as standard, injecting sporty looks into the SUV-coupe’s design. Inside, both vehicles receive the BMW Curved Display, a newly designed gear selector, and optional features like massaging seats, a panoramic sunroof, temperature-controlled cup holders, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system. All the available powertrains now feature 48V mild hybrid technology, and the new plug-in hybrid BMW X5 xDrive50e features a 6-cylinder hybrid powertrain that totals up to 489 horsepower and 516 lb/ft of torque. The result is a 0-60 time of just 4.8 seconds. The new BMW X5 and X6 M60i xDrive both feature 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engines derived from BMW’s raucous M cars. With revised design, features, and power, BMW’s SUV heroes are ready to prove their “Ultimate Driving Machine” moniker. View All BMWs For Sale Source: BMW

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 13, 2023

BMW Debuts A Special Samsung Smartphone Inspired By The E...

Celebrating the legacy of BMW's M3, this Samsung Galaxy showcases hints from past and current generations. Shaping itself as a timeless automotive icon, the E30 BMW M3 evolved from an ultimate driving machine in the late 80s to a collector-grade sports car that continues to grow in value and popularity. Commemorating its flagship model, BMW Korea is teaming up with SK Telecom to release an exclusive Samsung smartphone with inspiration from the German automaker’s M-Performance division. The limited-edition Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra BMW M Edition pays homage to the first M3 generation released in 1986, featuring a hard cover phone case styled to resemble the hood and kidney grille of the current G80 M3 generation. MUST-READ: Best BMWs For Sale Right Now The M3-inspired Galaxy S23 showcases its loyalty to BMW by presenting a dedicated loading video with an M-specific screen when turned on. The 1,000-unit release features a special E30 BMW M3 die-cast packaging, M design vehicle clock, vehicle sunshade clip, air pump, metal M sticker, historical book, and poster. Accessories include six unique BMW emblems and a multi-keyring to give owners the ability to configure their Samsung smartphone just like a new M3. The Galaxy S23 Ultra BMW M Edition will be available until today through SK Telecom's official online mall. View all current BMW M3 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Shop Samsung View All BMW M3 For Sale Source: BMW Korea

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 01, 2023

Watch This 730HP BMW M5 Hit 210+ MPH On The Autobahn

Stretching its legs in the safest manner, this modified BMW M5 proves that aftermarket upgrades truly makes a difference. If you’re a performance car owner or enthusiast, then you’ve obviously heard of the German Autobahn and its invitation for high-speed travel. The federally controlled-access highway system is famous for being among the few public roads in the world without a speed limit for cars and motorcycles. Where safety and control are the main concerns, travelers are able to access the full power of their vehicle on long straightaways with minimal curves and braking areas. Making recent news on the Autobahn is an extremely modified BMW M5 that recorded a mind-blowing speed run of 210+ mph on the TopSpeedGermany YouTube channel. MUST-READ: See a Bugatti Chiron Hit 257 MPH on the Autobahn The E60 generation BMW M5 features a glorious V10 bi-compressor engine that produces over 730 horsepower, courtesy of a supercharged build performed by the aftermarket specialists at Lumma-Design. The four-door performance sedan also receives additional aero, suspension, braking, and interior upgrades that transform the everyday BMW into a track-ready monster. With cameras secured to the driver and the car's speedometer, the BMW M5 sets out for the ride of a lifetime. Click above to watch the 730+ hp Lumma-Design BMW M5 reach its top speed on the German Autobahn. View all current BMW M5 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All BMW M5 For Sale Source: TopSpeedGermany YouTube

BMW News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe