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 Andrew Nabors – April 26, 2018

BMW Dishes Out New 8-Series Specs

Are you still upset about the death of the BMW 6 Series? Dry those tears, because the new 8 Series is almost ready for production. In a press release this morning we have learned a few details of the M850i xDrive Coupe. Final testing is underway on a new V8 engine and the xDrive system. An active rear differential works with active roll control and active steering to make it "The Ultimate Driving Machine".While the new engine might weigh the same as its predecessor, the redesign offers 68 more horsepower for a total of 530 hp. Torque is rated at 553 lb-ft, and it arrives at only 1,800 rpm. With specs like these, this car should outperform any M6 along with any other luxury coupe. BMW has wisely abandoned the dual-clutch transmission, and the new 8-speed Steptronic is a beefy traditional automatic.Woah: The BMW M8 Supercar is Actually HappeningChristian Billig is head of Drive System Integration, and he said: “The new V8 engine offers exactly the right balance between performance and emotion, which is what also sets the new BMW 8 Series Coupe apart. Above all, the eight-cylinder harmonizes perfectly with the further developed Steptronic transmission during dynamic acceleration. At the same time, the sound development of the sports exhaust system authentically reflects the car’s power delivery. And thanks to BMW xDrive and active rear axle locking, the engine always transfers power precisely to where it can be best converted into driving dynamics."The new 8 Series is seen as a successor to the i8 and Z8, and it is probably twice as fast as the V12 powered E31 coupes. Those 8 Series examples have mostly been sidelined by expensive repair costs and single digit mpg. So the resurrection of the 8 Series is one of the most anticipated cars in years, and we can barely wait to get behind the wheel. Stay with us for all your BMW updates and click the link below to find a BMW near you." title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>

By Andrew Nabors – April 25, 2018

BMW Unveils iX3 Concept In Beijing

China is a big market for automakers, so the Beijing Auto Show is a perfect place for a new BMW. Taking center stage in their display is the new iX3 Concept. It is not an X3 or a plug-in hybrid, it is BMW's first battery-powered automobile.In a press release this morning, we learned that it has a modular design. The electric motor, drivetrain, and associated high-voltage components are built as a single unit. Offering 270 horsepower and a range of 249 miles, it could be a foreshadowing of the iNEXT, a production electric car that is slated to arrive in 2021.New BMW Lifestyle Collections LaunchedNot to be outdone by other luxury brands, the battery is capable of high-voltage charging in only 30 minutes. It has a capacity of 70 kWh, making it very competitive in this segment. While some might call it a small SUV or a crossover, they use the term SAV for Sports Activity Vehicle. It is on display next to the i Vision Dynamics study, which gives us a clear view of BMW's electric future. Tell us what you think of this concept in the comments below, and click the link to find great deals on the latest conventional X3 models. Browse BMW X Series For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 18, 2018

BMW USA Formally Unveils the M2 Competition

BMW from down under took us all by surprise when they leaked the specs of the new BMW M2 Competition last week. We knew an official press release was in the works, and it just hit our inbox. We've learned that the Competition is not just an option package, it has replaced the M2 completely.As we suspected, the monster twin-turbo straight six found in the M3 and M4. It offers 410 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. To handle this much power the front end has been reinforced with a CFRP strut tower brace and additional reinforcements around the firewall. The dual-clutch transmission is listed as optional, so we hope a few six-speed sticks make it to the US. The interior was also treated to a series of upgrades including M Sport seats finished in perforated Dakota Black. Blue or orange accent packages are also available. Our dealers have all the details, so click the link below and get yours ordered today!Browse BMW M2 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 09, 2018

BMW M2 Competition Leaks Online With M4 Power!

In the past, many automakers would not allow internal competition. The big engine in a small car controversy has been played out by Ford, GM, and now BMW. The quick & nimble BMW M2 and its M235i siblings are powered by a turbocharged straight-six engine. That's no surprise because the M3 and M4 also share versions of the same engine.BMW Unveils Limited Edition M240i M Performance EditionUsually, leaks about upcoming German cars come from Europe, but this one caught us off-guard. The Country (and Continent) that is closest to the International Date Line is Australia. Tomorrow officially begins at that line, so BMW from Down Under was first to show this new Bavarian beast to the world. Here's the cached page of the leak.When the M2 was first announced to have a single turbo, we figured it was due to the small engine bay. The M3 and M4 have two, using 3 cylinders to spin each turbine. Another important consideration is making the M3 or M4 buyer able to justify the price when compared to the M2, but why? A buyer looking for an M2 is probably not looking for anything else, so why not give it the most power?How To Build A BMW M2 Drift Machine? LS Swap It This doesn't come down to building a faster flagship because the new M760 is the fastest BMW on the market. They have always built the Ultimate Driving Machine, so get ready for 410 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. Only the dual-clutch transmission was mentioned, so we hope BMW USA listens to our six-speed needs. Pricing and availability have yet to be released, so stay with us for all your BMW news.Browse BMW M2 For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 04, 2018

BMW Vehicle Subscription Service Launches in Tennessee

Residents of Nashville, TN that love BMW vehicles will be pleased to know that the automaker has officially launched the "Access by BMW" program in the city. This new service gives members unlimited access to a fleet of BMW vehicles, all thanks to their monthly subscription. This sure makes Netflix look boring...Members will be able to request a vehicle through a mobile app. Once the request has been made, a BMW concierge will deliver the car to a specific location at a specific time. Each car arrives with a full tank of gas and a detailed exterior and interior. What's more, members don't have a limit on how many times they swap out their vehicles. Need to climb the mountains? Order up an X6. Have a need for speed? Open the app and have an M4 delivered to your doorstep. It's that easy.New BMW M2 Coupe Edition Black Shadow“As customers continue to explore the growing mobility market, service-related offerings are becoming more in demand. With Access by BMW, our members will enjoy the freedom of personal mobility with access across a broad range of our highly emotional vehicles” said Ian Smith, CEO of BMW Group Financial Services USA and Region Americas. “Subscription-based services are of emerging interest for our customers, and we’re excited to be offering a mobility service to meet their individual and evolving needs.”BMW Unveils Concept M8 Gran Coupe In GenevaNow for the fun part: cost. BMW will be offering Access by BMW in two different tiers, Legend Tier and M Tier. Legend Tier will get you access to sedans, coupes and convertibles, and the X Series models. This tier will cost $2,000. As for the M Tier, you'll be able to take advantage of the M Series cars like the new M5, M6 convertible, X5 M and more. This tier will cost $3,700 per month.It should be mentioned that this is just a pilot program, but if all goes well, we may be seeing Access by BMW globally.

By Andrew Nabors – January 09, 2018

BMW M5 Drifts For 8 Hours, Breaks Two World Records

Yesterday we told you about BMW's ambitious plan to set a new world record. Guinness had recorded a previous record of 89.55 miles of drifting in an 8-hour test. To show off the new drift mode of the new M5, engineers decided to throw down with unprecedented technology.BMW Is Preparing For An 8-Hour M5 DriftUsing the Air Force as inspiration, BMW's M Division developed a car-to-car refueling system. Transferring gas between two moving objects is a recipe for disaster, so care was taken to make sure the hoses and tanks were up to the task. It is not without historical precedent because Mercury Marine used a similar method to refuel boats when endurance testing their outboard engines.In a YouTube video uploaded this morning, BMW has blown away the old record. If you plan on drifting for 8 hours, you will need to go 232.5 miles to beat the M5. Yes we know the track was soaked, but it is still a wild accomplishment. We can't wait to get our hands on one, not that we would ever drift a press car...So congrats to BMW for raising the bar and stay with us for all your M car updates.Browse BMW M5 For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=49&v=obkLDeO58Wo

By Edward Jones – December 07, 2017

BMW Launches 300 Autonomous Drones for Art Basel Miami

BMW teamed up with Studio Drift to introduce "“FRANCHISE FREEDOM – a flying sculpture by Studio Drift in partnership with BMW" at Art Basel Miami. This flying sculpture is actually 300 illuminated drones that were programmed to mimic a flock of birds. BMW says that this is the "first time for this orchestrated movement to be presented by machines working with decentralized algorithms at a very large scale." Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta of Studio Drift equipped with lights and specific algorithms that would define the coordinated flight path for each of the drones, resulting in a beautiful and massive movement.New 2019 BMW i8 Roadster and Coupe Revealed BMW is planning on providing additional showings of the flying sculpture December 7-10, starting at 8 pm (weather permitting). If you're in South Florida, head over to 32nd and 33rd Street off Collins Avenue behind the Faena Hotel Miami Beach to see this beautiful work of art for yourself.

By Andrew Nabors – December 04, 2017

BMW M8 GTE In Final Testing For Daytona

Now that our leftover turkey supply has been depleted, it's time to start mentioning Speed Weeks in Daytona. One of the biggest races of the year is the Rolex 24, and BMW says the new M8 GTE will dominate. In a press release earlier this morning, Director of BMW Motorsport Jens Marquardt said: “The various departments have also worked hand in hand in the area of aerodynamics. We have benefitted greatly from the intense cooperation with central prototype assembly and the BMW Group’s Aero Lab. During development, this allowed us to work even more efficiently on the aero components, which have been designed specifically for long-distance racing. At the same time, our colleagues in production development have received information that is valuable in the field of high-performance automobiles.” BMW M8 Prototype PreviewIt is a bold move to build the race car before the street versions, so the popularity of the new 8 Series coupes seems to be hinged on being a success in its first outing. Growing up not far from Daytona, you learn several truths about the 24-hour race. First is that weather will be a factor. Second is that even the best-prepared team can fall victim to the track. The M8 GTE will be fielded in the World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, to compete against the likes of Cadillac and Team Corvette, both of which have several titles under their belt. We have no doubt that engineers in Munich have some potent tricks up their sleeve; so stay with us for complete coverage of the upcoming season.

By Edward Jones – November 29, 2017

New 2019 BMW i8 Roadster and Coupe Revealed

After just a couple of years since the BMW i8's release, the model is getting a refresh and a new convertible variant. Announced by BMW is the new 2019 i8 Coupe and i8 Roadster.The most important announcement is without a doubt the addition of the i8 Roadster. BMW has been teasing this model for quite some time, but we finally get the chance to see it uncovered. Its electronically operated soft-top roof opens and closes in just 16 seconds and can be engaged at speeds of up to 31 mph.How to Drift a BMW For both the Coupe and Roadster, the new engine's total output is increased up to 369 horsepower when compared to the previous i8's powerplant. BMW is putting the 0-60 mph time of the Coupe and Roadster at 4.2/4.4 seconds, respectively. Top speed of both cars is electronically limited to 155 mph.Expect to see the sales of the new 2019 BMW i8 Coupe and Roadster started in Spring 2018.

By Edward Jones – November 15, 2017

Upcoming BMW i8 Roadster Teased

The BMW i8 is a radically designed sports car that is unlike any other car in the German automaker's lineup. It truly is a car that breaks away from the norm that we've seen from BMW over the recent years. The first example of the i8 released is a coupe variant, but we all knew that a convertible i8 would be coming soon enough. And now, here we are, with BMW teasing the upcoming i8 Roadster with a new video. Take a look at the unreleased i8 Roadster in the video below and get ready for a "virtually silent" BMW.Reviewed: 2017 BMW X4 M40i

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