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 Jordan Aquistapace – May 20, 2022

BMW Motorrad Celebrates 50 Years of M With An M 1000 RR A...

The new superbike that stands proudly beside other BMW M icons. The BMW M Division specializes in creating a track-like driving experience within everyday production vehicles and motorcycles, paying homage to its historic lineage in motorsports. BMW Motorrad is proud to celebrate 50-Years of BMW M with an exclusive M 1000 RR superbike. The M RR 50 Years of M represents the first-ever M model for BMW Motorrad, honoring its debut alongside other BMW M Motorsport icons like the 3.0 CSL Race Car and M1 Procar. The BMW 3.0 CSL holds significance as the first racing car of BMW Motorsport GmbH in 1973, making its debut at the European Touring Car Championship. MUST-READ: BMW Motorrad Announces First Ever M-Division Super Bike Declared The BMW M 1000 RR The exterior features a vibrant Sao Paulo Yellow finish with striking red, purple, and blue highlights, accentuating the famous colors of BMW M. Establishing dominance as a track-ready monster, the M RR 50 Years of M comes standard with the M Competition Package, M milled parts package, M carbon package, and a lighter silver anodized aluminum swing arm. For those days out on the track BMW's new superbike comes available with an unlock code for the M GPS lap trigger/endurance chain, a pillion package, and pillion seat cover. With a build that incorporates all the best that BMW M has to offer, the special edition M 1000 RR follows the philosophy of sporting the most powerful letter in the alphabet. Although production numbers and pricing have yet to be announced, the new BMW M RR 50 Years of M is sure to be a highly-anticipated model release for any motorcycle collector or enthusiast. View all of the current BMW M 1000 RR examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more luxury lifestyle news and release information on the BMW M RR 50 Years of M. View All BMW M 1000 RR For Sale Source: BMW

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 14, 2022

Discover The Golden Age Scooter By NMoto

NMoto time travels to the past when creating The Golden Age. Designed as an easy-to-use option for two-wheel transportation, scooters are becoming more common on the road with iconic brands sporting their own variations. The motorcycle manufacturing specialists at NMoto of Miami, FL take pride in reimagining modern-day two-wheel BMW chassis into art deco bikes that feature pre-war motoring designs. NMoto is excited to announce the launch of its newest model, the all-new Gold Age scooter. The new NMoto Golden Age takes shape as a BMW CX400 that channels inspiration from the 1936 Henderson Courtney Prototype. Using a unique 9-piece carbon fiber body kit, the Golden Age includes an array of exterior components to help create an identity for itself as an art deco masterpiece. MUST-READ: NMOTO Unveils 1 of 10 Nostalgia Limited Editions The NMoto Golden Age comes available in four unique colorways that provide head-turning appearances. Powering the new mid-size scooter from NMoto is a 350cc engine that makes 34-horsepower, making it the perfect option for traveling through a city-like environment. While the look and feel of the Golden Age represents a vintage era, its platform features state-of-the-art technology like a connectivity dashboard with a 6.5-inch TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, heated seat and steering grips, multifunction display, and an on-board computer. Enjoy a pleasurable riding experience with added safety features that include ABS/ASC, full Brembo disc brakes, full LED lights, and a FlexCase storage compartment for two helmets. The all-new Golden Age is currently available through NMoto starting at $12,490 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury motorcycle news and releases. Discover The NMoto Golden Age Source: NMoto

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 14, 2021

LEGO Technic Announces The New BMW M1000RR Build Set

Developed in sports racing and perfected for the road, the BMW M 1000 RR has captured the hearts of motorsport and motorcycle fans. Since its initial release, the BMW M1000RR continues to grow in popularity as the German motorcycle manufacturer’s most powerful superbike in its fleet. While chassis are limited and the prices increase, the creative team at LEGO is teaming up with BMW Motorrad to create a buildable small-scale example for collectors and enthusiasts to enjoy. The all-new LEGO Technic BMW M1000RR displays itself as an accurate 1:5 scale model with 1,920-pieces to complete the set. The set includes factory-style graphics and parts to enhance the experience of creating your own superbike, while displaying it proudly on a stand that includes specs of the BMW M1000RR. MUST-READ: The Top Automotive-Inspired LEGO Sets Available Now Along with the look and feel factors, LEGO took its design further with a functional 3-speed (+ neutral) gearbox, steering, front and rear suspension, chain transmission, and inline 4-piston engine. The LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR is part of a collection of LEGO builds for adults. Celebrating some of the world’s best-loved vehicles, these building sets for adults offer an insight into engineering combined with a relaxing building project. The new LEGO Technic BMW M1000RR is set to release on January 1st for $229. Prep the New Year release from LEGO x BMW Motorrad by clicking the link below for more information. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Learn More Source: LEGO

By Andrew Nabors – May 12, 2021

BMW R 18 First Editions Receive Stylish Upgrades

The best just got better! Last year we were introduced to a new version of an old friend. The BMW R 18 & R 18 Classic offer all the power and refinement you would expect, and their First Editions have already found 13,000 new owners. To keep the up this unprecedented momentum, BMW Motorrad has unveiled stylish and functional upgrades and options. Design Package Aero includes new valve covers, intakes, and other details inspired by their streamliner models. These Art Deco parts are capped by a copper badge that is triple-chrome plated. An optional heated seat is diamond-quilted and retains the stock ride height. New wheels fall into their Aero and Icon packages, and the new color choices include Galaxy Dust Metallic and Titanium Silver 2 Metallic. If you need a new Bavarian cruiser, our dealers have all the details. Stay with us for all your BMW news. Browse BMW For Sale Images (C) BMW

By Andrew Nabors – November 19, 2020

BMW Unleashes Two New Motorcycles For 2021

You have been good all year, so its time to retire your old motorcycle. Instead of adding up all the parts and time you have been neglecting, BMW has unleashed two new bikes for 2021. Packing big technology into a compact frame, the G 310 R has undergone a nice freshening. Making use of a water-cooled 313cc single-cylinder, it offers 34 horsepower and 20 lb-ft of torque. A new electronic throttle offers smooth idle transitions, and a revised clutch basket prevents hopping at low rpm. For those who refuse to lose, the S 100 R is ready to race. After removing every ounce of non-essential weight, BMW touts this bike as having unpalalled dynamics. What started as saving 11 lbs in the drivetrain evolved into a new frame. Gears 4, 5, & 6 are taller to offer a more relaxed experience when cruising the backroads. This did not hurt performance, as you have 165 horsepower and 84 lb-ft of torque. " width="680"> Because it all weighs less than 439 lbs, safety systems include ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control, and riding modes for bad weather. Developed for the World Superbike series, the computer snuffs out wheelies before you notice them, and the fuel maps make it one of the world's most efficient liter-bikes. Click the button below to find our BMW dealer near you and stay with us for all your motorcycle news. Browse BMW For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 05, 2019

BMW X7 Pickup is 1 of 1

A celebration of BMW motorcycles starts today in Bavaria. Of course, the only thing better than a BMW bike is a matching truck to haul it. That's why the BMW X7 Pickup is 1 of 1. This unique concept started life as a design study, and then made into reality by the fine folks at the BMW USA plant in Greer, South Carolina. It was shipped across the pond and finished at BMW headquarters in Munich. Although the press release maintains it is only a concept, the world needs something like this. To have a full-size SUV with a truck bed is the best of both worlds. I haul my Suzuki around in a Chevy Avalanche, and I would love to upgrade to an all-BMW lineup. The bed is lined with polished wood, with a stand for a new F 850 GS. Loading is made easier thanks to dual-mode air suspension. Carbon fiber body panels allow it to be 441 lbs lighter than a normal X7, a perfect weight offset for a touring motorcycle. If you are tempted to do this conversion yourself, click the link below to find an X7 near you and stay with us for all your BMW news. Browse BMW X7 For Sale Related: BMW Unveils 2020 X6 xLine & M Sport 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Revealed

By Andrew Nabors – May 29, 2019

BMW Motorrad Unveils Concept R18

It looks like BMW has taken notice of our friends at NMOTO. Retro bikes are hot these days, so it is time to see what a 1960's bike would look like in the 21st century. That is why BMW Motorrad has unveiled the concept R18. The setting was last weekend at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. This massive 1.8L boxer engine is an air-cooled two -cylinder is fed by Solex carburetors. Essentially identical to the ones found in the BMW 2002, they are rugged designs from the past. They are bolted to an engine and transmission that were bead-blasted and hand polished. To give it a naked look, the chrome driveshaft has no covers. If you want features, look somewhere else. The R18 has a starter and lights, that's it. Riding on 21" front and 18" wheels, the boxer engine keeps the center of gravity lower than any other big cruiser. It might look like a hardtail, but the cantilever rear suspension is hidden under the seat. Dr. Markus Schramm is the head of BMW Motorrad, and he said " With this dream bike, BMW Motorrad presents its own version of an emotional and authentic offer for the large cruiser segment.” It would be fun to ride a bike with more torque than a car, but it is doubtful such a design would meet emissions laws. That's why NMOTO bases their Nostalgia on the latest R9T, giving you the best of old and new. Tell us what you think of classic BMW bikes and stay with us for all your BMW updates. Configure Your NMOTO Nostalgia Billy Joel Stops by NMOTO to Test Fit His New Bike

By Andrew Nabors – April 15, 2019

BMW Unveils "The Revival Birdcage" at Circuit of the Amer...

If you missed the MotoGP race in Austin this weekend, it proved that Austin, Texas is now a Motorsports Mecca. All the big manufacturers had displays, but one cast shade on all the others. Bavarian engineers have been hard at work on a new engine, so it needed a naked chassis to show it off. That is why BMW unveiled "The Revival Birdcage" at Circuit of the Americas. Details on the new flat-four cylinder are sparse so far, and the press release only mentions that it is much larger and air-cooled. BMW Motorrad looked back to the 1930s and found Ernst Henne's record setting designs. Turning to Revival Cycles, their team decided to build a gorgeous frame out of titanium. Details like the driveshaft and pushrod tubes are clearly evident. Our clients at Nmoto are receiving a ton of attention for their Nostalgia bike, so perhaps BMW has realized they can tap into a new market. It might seem to be a silly time to enter the Cruiser market, but BMW riders are the most brand-loyal in the two-wheel marketplace. We will be following this build closely as the details on the new motor will be impressive. Stay with us for all your BMW news! New BMW 8 Series For Sale " width="680"> Related: Nmoto Unveils the Nostalgia 2020 BMW Z4: Cool & Dangerous by Brooklyn Beckham

By Caitlin Duffy – November 12, 2015

BMW G 310 R Introduced by BMW Motorrad

BMW Motorrad, the division responsible for the marque's motorcycle development and production, has broken into the segment of bikes under 500 ccs while still providing a comfortable, powerful ride.The G 310 R motorcycle has been developed from scratch by BMW Motorrad, and as a press release issued Nov. 11 describes, it embodies everything the division stands for. Its design is athletic and fierce, yet falls in line with the rest of the marque's motorcycles in presenting a clear statement. It is undeniably BMW, and yet it does this with a single-cylinder engine.Power is a bit low at just 34 hp and 20 lb-ft, but its incredibly low weight means that power is quickly utilized; the G 310 R weighs just under 350 pounds. A steel frame helps keep it rigid, yet its low weight means it's incredibly agile."Extremely compact and with a broad spectrum ranging from comfortable to sporty and dynamic, the new G 310 R simply opens up a whole new world of experience in its segment when it comes to ride response," described the release.Check out the photos of this new motorcycle offering from BMW below, then find a BMW with four wheels for yourself from our exclusive listings.BMWs For SaleGallery (via BMW) See More Motorcycle News

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By Caitlin Duffy – November 11, 2015

BMW eRR Electric Supersport Motorcycle Concept Unveiled

Though few details were released, BMW announced that they are embarking in a new direction with their Motorrad division, looking to a new energy source for their high-performance motorcycles.The eRR Supersport is the marque's first electric motorcycle concept, one which takes the lessons learned from the BMW i program and C evolution and applies them further to the world of two wheels. As a press release issued by the marque today announced, it takes the chassis and design of the S 1000 RR, and applies an all-electric drive. As the Head of BMW Motorrad, Stephan Schaller, explained in the release, applying this technology was an easy decision."If acceleration, handling or topspeed – the RR is setting standards," Schaller said of the S 1000 RR. "However, if acceleration on the first metres, up to 50, 60 kph, is the point, the RR’s 199 bhp have to admit defeat by another BMW product: the C evolution with its electric drive."Essentially, because an electric engine provides all of its torque up front, quick acceleration from a standstill is easily possible; the Tesla's crazy 0-60 mph times in various modes prove the point well.No technical details about this concept have been introduced as of yet, but stay with us for updates as they are released. In the meantime, find your own BMW on four wheels from our exclusive listings at the button below.BMWs For SaleGallery (via BMW) See More Motorcycle News

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