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.

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By Andrew Nabors – February 03, 2020

BMW USA Unveils 2021 M2 CS Racing

Stop, don't cut up your new BMW M2 CS. If you want the ultimate Bavarian track machine, BMW USA has Unveiled the 2021 M2 CS Racing. BMW Motorsport customers have won three team titles and two divers championships since 2016. Racing in the TC America Series is sanctioned by USAC, who have already slapped it with a restrictor plate. It is limited to 365 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. The press release mentions it will be able to make 450 horsepower unrestricted, so we hope they offer this 3.0L monster at the parts department. Click the button below to find your M2 and stay with us for all your BMW news. Browse all BMW M2 For Sale " width="680"> Related: Cheap Supercars for sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 04, 2019

BMW X5 M & X6 M Competition Comparison

Don't judge a book by its cover. In the battle of Super SUVs, BMW likes to offer familiar styling with unprecedented power. If you are in the market for 4WD and 617 horsepower, here is the BMW X5 M & X6 M Competition comparison. Both the X5 M and the X6 M are available with or without the competition package. It offers 17 additional horsepower along with aggressive calibrations for the transmission and active differentials. Browse BMW X5 FOr Sale BMW X5 M BMW X6 M The xDrive system sends 553 lb-ft of torque to the rear, or instantly to all wheels if needed. Tell us which one you would choose in the comments below and stay with us for all your BMW news. Browse BMW X6 For Sale " width="680"> Related: New BMW X6 M and X5 M Competition Models Detailed in Pictures Jay Leno's Car Collection

By Andrew Nabors – August 28, 2019

BMW X6 Murdered Out With Carbon Nanotubes

Something wicked is heading to the Frankfurt Auto Show. A flat black BMW X6 would be quite appealing, but the factory took it to the next level. Working with Surrey NanoSystems, this BMW X6 was murdered out with carbon nanotubes. What might be the future of composites, nanotubes are literally tubes made of carbon atoms. Because they are so small, they absorb all light in the visible spectrum. You will only get a reflection out of it with a moderate-sized hydrogen bomb, so in essence, it is a black hole on wheels. The finish is trademarked as Vantablack, and we're not sure it would be legal to drive at night. The technology descends from the Stealth Fighter, which was retired due to an obvious issue. To find them, enemies only needed to look for the dark hole moving across the night sky. Nanotubes are so small that ingesting them can tear your DNA to shreds, promoting several kinds of cancer. We hope the painters wore respirators because this is a job well done. The X6 is all-new for 2020, so click the link below to find our dealer near you, and stay with us for all your BMW news. Browse BMW X6 For Sale " width="680"> BMW Unveils X5 Protection Armored SUV BMW M8 Competition & Convertible Finally Unveiled

By Andrew Nabors – July 15, 2019

BMW M4 DTM Debuts at Dutch Racetrack

It has been a productive year for BMW. New model introductions and continuous sales growth have allowed them to refine their core products. When it comes to the M cars, lessons learned on the track lead to perfection on the street. Marking the half-way point in the 2019 season, the BMW M4 DTM was debuted at a Dutch racetrack. Not that the car is new, it was just their first outing at the famous TT Circuit Assen. The M4 DTM is a preview of the styling and powertrain for the 7th generation M4. It is slated to be released early next year as a 2021 model. The 4 Series will be a derivative of the G20 chassis that underpins the new 3 Series sedans. Power will come from the meanest straight-six BMW has ever offered. Earlier this year we told you about the X3M and X4M Competition SUVs. They make 503 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque to battle the Mercedes-AMG crossovers and SUVs. The new 3.0L engine is named the S58, and it will allow the M3 and M4 to compete on the World Stage. As for now, our dealers have several offers on the new 3-Series, so click the link below and tell us what you want to see in the new M4. Browse BMW 3 Series For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – June 05, 2019

BMW M8 Competition Coupe & Convertible Finally Unveiled

This is the one we've been waiting for. When we heard the M6 was being discontinued it put a hole our hearts. It had a good run, but the BMW 8 Series has a host of new technology and engineering saved for something special. Today is the day because the BMW M8 Competition Coupe & Convertible were finally unveiled. Instead of starting with a production car and building it to race, BMW M built the M8 GTE and made it street legal. Thankfully, lessons learned on the track have translated into a highly capable supercar. Starting with the heart of the beast, a revised 4.4L V8 with twin turbos delivers 625 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It can be sent to all wheels by the xDrive system, or you can leave it in 2WD for a traditional experience. The chassis has forged links and control rods, and they attach to a stronger chassis than a normal production 8 Series. On top of that are several braces for the shock towers, subframes, and steering. This allows the Competition models to run more camber for extreme grip in the corners. The grip is provided by 20" wheels wearing 275/35 and 285/35 tires in a perfect staggered setup. Owners can configure their own driving mode by selecting transmission, suspension and stability system specifics. You can completely disable all the electronic helpers if you want to find the limits of this beast. The best new feature is an adjustable brake force. You can choose how responsive the pedal is, offering the best in luxury or feedback depending on the situation. Of course, we've summarized the 20-page press release because our dealers have all the details. So click the link below to find one near you. Browse BMW 8-Series For Sale P.S. Tell us what license plates this car should have: M8 ING, 4MR NM8, GDAY M8, W8 M8, M8 0FTN.... Related: BMW M8 Will Arrive With New M Mode Controls BMW M8: Go For Launch

By Andrew Nabors – May 21, 2019

Tesla Model 3 vs BMW M2 Competition

It is safe to say there are two types of electric car owners. The first group drives responsibly to save power and lower their carbon consumption. But the other half embraces the performance of battery power. So what happens when electric hot rods line up against the Ultimate Driving Machine? Get ready to watch a Tesla Model 3 vs a BMW M2 Competition. The German is a turbocharged 3.0L straight-six making 405 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It is a compact RWD coupe with a six-speed stick. The M2 Competition arrived a year after the M2, and completely replaced it. We don't mind, as it has track-ready suspension and a drift-happy personality. Tesla Model 3 Performance: Skidpad Drifting To keep the comparison somewhat fair, the Tesla Model 3 is not the extended range or performance models. It is their standard dual motor with 346 horsepower. No matter who wins, the BMW offers 25 mpg and great performance. The Tesla only has a 60 kWh battery powering both motors. After 208 miles you better find a plug or the game is over. It is fast, but too quiet. The M2 is more fun than a barrel of monkeys, so click the link below to find one near you. Find Your BMW M2 Here Related: AC Schnitzer Unveils 500HP M2 Competition BMW M2 Competition: Record Breaker

By Andrew Nabors – May 06, 2019

BMW M3 GTS by Carfection

Manufacturers are forced to change their recipe when a model needs more attention. BMW doesn't do this in a subtle manner. After introducing the V10 powered M5 in 2005, they decided to drop a V8 into the M3. Known as the E90 sedan and the E92 coupe, they are now collectible among M fans. Henry Catchpole and his team decided to examine the most potent example produced, so here is the BMW M3 GTS by Carfection. It was probably a financial mistake to not offer it in the U.S., but we did receive a potent and limited "Lime Rock Park Edition". The growl of a high-revving V8 is almost American in nature, but this isn't an LS swap. Only offered here between 2008 and 2013, they make a great track car as is. But the aftermarket supplies everything you need to transform an M3 Competition into a GTS. Click the link below to find yours, and stay with us for all your M3 updates. Browse BMW M3 For Sale Related: A Dozen M4 GTS Attack the 'Ring BMW M3: Four Generations Drag Race

By Andrew Nabors – March 15, 2019

New BMW 3-Series Targets a Younger Audience

Several variables need to be considered when launching a new model. Because the new BMW 3-Series has such a dynamic history, they turned to EDM artist Dennis Lloyd to match the car to his hit song "Nevermind". This car has been in the works longer than usual, in order to make sure it launches with a bang. For the 330i, power comes from a 2.0L turbo. If you opt for the xDrive AWD system, 0-60 arrives in only 5.3 seconds. Stepping up a notch, the M340i is available in rear and AWD, powered by a detuned M3 straight six. It offers 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It only takes 4.2 seconds to reach 60 mph! The new styling hides an all-new suspension. Inside the interior is ergonomic and loaded with all the latest safety tech. If your E46 has seen better days, click the link below and stay with us for all your 3-Series updates. Shop BMW 3-Series " width="680"> Related: Lego BMW M1 Needs Our Support! Wheels & Wardrobe: All Black BMW i8

By Andrew Nabors – February 14, 2019

2020 BMW X3 M & X4 M Competition Unveiled

SUV sales are booming, and manufacturers are locked in a horsepower war. The American contingent is led by SVE with their 1,000 horsepower Escalades and Suburbans. But there is another pair of Americans that are poised to shake up the market. BMW has unveiled the X3 M and X4 M competition models, which are built in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Both the X3 M Competition and the X4 M Competition will arrive soon with 510 horsepower under the hood. Their venerable 3.0L straight six has been completely redesigned. It has a higher redline and 442 lb-ft of torque sent to all wheels. The new M xDrive has two modes, one for rear-wheel drive fun and the other for normal commuting. The Active M Differential is mounted on the rear to instantly react to cornering conditions. These drift-ready SUVs can leap to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds thanks to the new 8-speed automatic. It uses a traditional torque converter, as BMW is slowing discontinuing their dual-clutch gearboxes. Since this is the most powerful inline six BMW has ever offered, it could possibly find its way into the Z4 and its Supra sibling. Click the link below to find a BMW X Series near you and stay with us for all your M Performance updates. Shop BMW X Series For Sale Related: New Land Rover Range Rover Sport HST Unveiled SVE 1,000 Horsepower Suburban Yukon & Escalade Now Available

By Andrew Nabors – August 13, 2018

BMW M2 Competition: Record Breaker

If you demand precise handling and abundant power, the 2019 BMW M2 is perfect for you. We were introduced to the first performance 2 Series with the M240i. A perfectly sensible car that flies under the radar. Further suspension tuning and more power spawned the M2 in 2016, which is a fun and capable machine. The good BMW engineers at the M division couldn't leave it alone. So the M2 Competition has arrived for the 2019 model year.Lamborghini Races Against 1,000 HP Sleeper BMWIt is not an option package, the M2 Competition is the only M2 we will get. So to show the world what it is capable of, they armed it with a powerful laser and a sword. No, this isn't poetry. These weapons were mounted to the car for a new ad campaign. "Chasing Records" is a series of videos that were recently shot in Cape Town. The center console was replaced by a capacitor for the laser, and the stage was set.Because it shares the same twin-turbo straight six with the M3 and M4, the driver had 410 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The press release says the driver was able to pop 79 balloons (why not 99 Luftballoons?1?). The blade sliced 117 bamboo mats, which we will show you in a few days. For now, check out the laser footage and click the link below to find a BMW near you.Browse BMW M2 For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=84&v=QzJeQOibd5s

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