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 05, 2021

2022 BMW M3 & M4 Traction Control In Action

Grip like this can be addictive! Growing up before ABS was fun. Having to learn threshold braking was a rite of passage, and you could still buy new cars without a sway bar. Suspension technology has come a long way since then, so let's watch the 2022 BMW M3 & M4 traction control in action. Most sports cars offer the ability to fine-tune the steering and suspension responses, and if you haven't experienced M Traction Control you are truly missing out. It has 10 settings from barely there to no fun at all. With each click, you will have less rotation through the corners, so its a fun way to get the very best from your tires. One of the best drivers I ever met once said: "If you don't drive hard enough to invoke traction control, you aren't driving" so tell us your best and worst traction control stories in the comments below. Browse BMW M3 For Sale Browse BMW M4 For Sale Image (C) BMW

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 13, 2021

Ferman BMW Delivers Its First 2021 BMW G80 M3 Competition...

Since its initial announcement, the 2021 BMW M3 continues to be one of the most anticipated releases from the German auto manufacturer this year. Ferman BMW of Palm Harbor, Florida is making that long-wait well worth it for the lucky owner of this G80 BMW M3 finished in Sao Paulo Yellow over Yas Marina Blue/Black leather interior. The newly designed super-sedan features an upgraded twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine producing 503hp and 479 lb-ft torque. Providing traction for the power are a staggered set of 19”/20” bi-color 826M competition wheels wrapped in Michelin performance tires. While traction is needed for handling the power to the ground, an automatic ZF 8-speed transmission manages the power responsible for the 3.8-second 0-60mph time. View All Ferman BMW Inventory Along with the head turning color codes used on this specific build, the M3 is also equipped with the Carbon Fiber Exterior Package, which further completes the aggressive look of the M model. Inside the G80 BMW M3, the interior takes on a track-focused design using vibrant blue and yellow M-Carbon bucket seats and carbon fiber interior trim. Now that the looks and performance are well executed, all that is left to complete the 2021 BMW M3 is state-of-the-art technology. The Driver Assistance Pro Package, Parking Assistance Package, and the Executive Package have been added to help ensure safety and convenience for the owner’s driving experience. Since the Sao Paolo Yellow G80 M3’s delivery to Ferman BMW, the vehicle has been documented through a series of high-resolution images by Toby Pacuch (@tobyedwardphotos). Needless to say the owner of this 2021 BMW G80 M3 is just as excited for delivery, as we are looking forward to seeing more head turning specs on the road. For more BMW news, Check out BMW M3 & M4 Competition Interior Details Explained

By Andrew Nabors – March 09, 2021

BMW M Unveils 2021 MotoGP Safety Cars

The fastest sport on two wheels demands the most from any support vehicles, so BMW M has unveiled the 2021 MotoGP Safety Cars. They have been setting the pace since 1999, and this year marks the first time they've offered three versions of the Safety Car along with the launch of a new bike. The BMW M 1000 RR is the Safety Bike, and its also the first M-branded motorcycle. Tune in to watch the Grand Prix of Qatar and you will see an M3, M4, and M5 CS loaded with lights and radios. By the time the series reaches Portugal, they will be joined by an M8 Competition Gran Coupe, X5M, and the Safety Bike. Tell us what you are looking forward to this season and stay with us for all your BMW news. Shop BMW Images (C) BMW

By Andrew Nabors – February 15, 2021

BMW M3 & M4 Competition Interior Details Explained

Power and refinement are not worth much if your comfort is compromised, so here are the BMW M3 and M4 Competition interior details explained. Carbon fiber seats will make many wince in pain, but these new buckets are sculpted to save weight while remaining fully powered. The latest upload from BMW M dishes out how the seats put your feet and hands at the optimal driving positions. Anodized paddle shifters have machined texture if you choose the automatic transmission. Those who prefer to shift themselves will be treated to a precise short-throw six-speed stick. Being the most popular pragmatists in the world of performance engineering, these talented automakers have cut all non-essential weight from every component. While still offering unmistakable BMW luxury, the carpets, door panels are just a few examples of what sets BMW M apart from all impersonators. Did you see their new exhaust systems? BMW M3 For Sale BMW M4 For Sale Image (C) BMW

By Andrew Nabors – February 09, 2021

2021 BMW M3 & M4 Exhaust System Explained

With a few minutes and simple tools, you can make your car sound terrible. Automakers rarely devote time and effort to tune a perfect exhaust note, so here is the 2021 BMW M3 & M4 exhaust system explained. Forced-induction cars (turbo or supercharged) make the most power and torque with open exhaust. Your neighbors and the law would not abide by such a soundtrack, so the engineers at BMW M started from scratch. With a goal of supporting 510 horsepower in the M3 and M4 Competition models, they stepped up to dual 2.75" pipes. A meaty resonator includes a crossover that is tuned to eliminate rasp and drone produced by feeding each turbo by a different set of three cylinders. They even went so far as to transition to oval pipes near the differential to preserve ground clearance. This is just one way BMW M builds the ultimate driving machine, so check out their cooling system here. BMW M3 For Sale BMW M4 For Sale Image (C) BMW A.G.

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By Andrew Nabors – February 08, 2021

2021 BMW M3 & M4 Crank & Rods In Detail

To the delight of their customers, engineers at BMW M have been showing us the best features of their latest supercars, so let's loot at the 2021 BMW M3 and M4 crank and rods in detail. The straight-six engine was nearly killed by the bean counters because it is longer than V8 and V6 blocks. But it is still the best way to make incredible torque at any rpm. The S58 offers 510 horsepower and 479 lb-ft from only 3 liters. It does so in the M3 and M4 by using every advancement learned in motorsports. This forged bottom end is cross-drilled and the pistons have low-friction coatings. What really shows their dedication to longevity are the cracked connecting rods. This expensive procedure is reserved for the world's best cars, and that's why you deserve a new BMW for sale. BMW M3 For Sale BMW M4 For Sale Image (C) BMW M GMBH

By Andrew Nabors – February 03, 2021

2021 BMW M3 & M4 Competition Powertrains Explained

When six cylinders meet boost, you can have fun with 2-doors or 4. So if you want to know what makes them so potent, here are the 2021 BMW M3 & M4 Competition powertrains explained. Normally their latest engines debut in this pair, but the X3M and X4M are where we first met. Their latest 3-liter has 3 cylinders feeding each turbo. This allows them to spool instantly at the expense of a "unique" exhaust soundtrack. Both cars offer 510 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This is a better power-to-weight ratio than the iconic E46 while also maintaining 23 mpg. The 8-speed automatic is all-new, replacing the dual-clutch gearbox that weighed twice as much. It has 3 driving modes, D1 being a smooth cruise and D3 is straight from the Nurburgring. Perhaps the best feature is "Overtake". In order to leave everyone in the dust, the transmission drops to the lowest possible gear, skipping several if needed. Boost and power are instant, and smiles are genuine. To see how they are so nimble, checkout their weight and handling here. BMW M3 For Sale BMW M4 For Sale Image (C) BMW

By Andrew Nabors – January 19, 2021

Fast Financials 2020: BMW M Stays On Top

While other brands have taken a hit in performance sales, our latest Fast Financials report for 2020 shows that BMW M is staying on top. It is nice to see M remaining a separate automaker. Officially listed as BMW M Gmbh, these gearheads are accountable for their own profit, loss, and engineering expenses. Going so far as publishing their own press releases, the latest shows a sales increase of 6% last year. Fast Financials 2020 Q4: BMW Bounces Back The launch of an all-new X5M and the continued evolution of the M2 CS were welcomed by new customers. Digging deep into the details, a series of YouTube uploads explains the M3 Competition sedan and the M4 Competition coupe. We are anticipating big power from the upcoming M5 CS, so stay with us for the unveiling later this month. In total, BMW M delivered 144,218 vehicles, and they are on a path to crush that number this year. " width="680"> Image (C) BMW M Gmbh

By Andrew Nabors – January 14, 2021

2021 BMW M3 & M4 Cooling System Explained

Here in Florida, staying cool can be hard for high-performance cars. To see how the Ultimate Driving Machines avoid a meltdown, here is the 2021 BMW M3 and M4 cooling system explained. Marcus shows us how the iconic kidney grilles funnel air into the "cooling pack". Engineers use this term to combine the radiators for the engine, transmission, and the A/C condenser. Sharing the incoming air with the brake ducts is perfected in the world's toughest environments in order to give you the best experience. Click the button below to learn more from our dealers. BMW M3 For Sale BMW M4 For Sale Also check out the performance vs. weight of the 2021 M3 and M4 " width="680"> Image (C) BMW

By Andrew Nabors – January 11, 2021

2021 BMW M3 vs 2021 BMW M4: Performance & Weight

The quintessential straight-six supercars have received nice upgrades for this model year. In order to show us what they are cable of, BMW M has uploaded a new 2021 BMW M3 vs. 2021 BMW M4: performance & weight. The M4 Competiton Coupe offers 503 horsepower along with substantial stiffening of the chassis. The F80 chassis M3 and the F82 chassis BMW M4 make use of carbon fiber for the roof, sway bar, strut tower brace, and front seats. Making of the 2021 BMW M4 Competition x Kith Video When ordered with their dual-clutch transmission, it weighs 3,615 lbs with an empty tank. For those who shift their own gears, the 6-speed manual version is only 3,690 lbs with a full tank of fuel. Every new BMW M3 for sale offers rear doors while only adding 200 lbs of weight, preserving their spot as the Ultimate Driving Machine. Browse BMW M3 For Sale Browse BMW M4 For Sale " width="680">

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