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 – August 02, 2018

BMW Builds New V8 for 8 Series

If you have been waiting for something fresh, the new BMW 8 Series is heading our way. In a press release this morning we learned the assembly line is turning our 8 Series coupes around the clock. Everything about the car is new. From revolutionary styling to the interior layout. Our favorite feature is under the hood. BMW fans care more for their engines than their own cholesterol levels, so this handbuilt masterpiece received a press release just for itself.US Pricing for BMW 8 Series AnnouncedDeep inside the Munich headquarters is a clean room dedicated to performance engines. Master engine builders assemble the inline six, and V8 for the M division, along with the V12 for the M760i. Their skilled workforce also has a dedicated line for every Rolls-Royce engine. The torque load on every bearing and bolt is recorded and checked by hand. Pistons meet their cylinder with the same care given to a newborn child.Lamborghini Races Against 1,000 HP Sleeper BMWThe clip below is a peek behind the scenes that most will never see. That is because many engine builders don't like being recorded for fear of being distracted. When you purchase a BMW, you will have peace of mind knowing that nothing is left to chance, and they are built to last. Find yours in the link below and stay with us for 8 Series updates.Become An M Series Master

By Andrew Nabors – June 11, 2018

2018 BMW M5 Top Speed on the Autobahn

If you have wondered what the latest M5 is capable of, our friends at AutoTopNL decided to hit the Autobahn with the latest beast from Bavaria. The BMW F90 Series M5 was unveiled in 2017, based on the G30 version of the 5 Series Sedan. While the base model 5 Series is available with four-cylinder and straight six turbocharged power, the M5 offers 591 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.If you opt for the Competition Package, you will have 617 hp and the same torque. The kicker is that that immense level of torque is available from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The body is 1/4" lower and is available with AWD for the first time. It was this model BMW used to set new records for continuous drifting records a few months ago. The advanced aluminum & high strength steel space frame of the 7 series was scaled down, and it allows this M5 to be 88 lbs lighter than its predecessor (Even with AWD). Top speed is limited to 190 mph, so we feel like that needs to be verified on film. If you want the rush of the latest M5, click the link below and stay with us for all your BMW footage.Browse BMW M5 For Sale

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 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 – May 25, 2017

The 2018 BMW M4 GT4 Is Ready To Race

if you are looking to field a new BMW for the 2018 season, BMW Motorsport has something for your consideration. The new M4 GT4 had a very successful debut at 24 Hours of Dubai, so after a few final touches, it is now officially for sale. Using lessons learned on the M6 GT3, the interior is driver-focused, and devoid of many distractions. Built in-house, the welded roll cage not only meets FIA standards, but also the strict DMSB (Germany's Motor Racing Board).Most of the body is carbon fiber, which is easily lifted by onboard air jacks. The hood and trunk are quick-release for speedy pit stops. A "motorsport" exhaust system is hopefully just a straight pipe from the turbos, because mufflers are useless weight. Suspension is based around Öhlins shocks with three spring rates available. Sadly the transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch with shifts calibrated for the track. A locking differential has hardened output shafts, a feature many M owners would love to have on the street. A production engine is controlled by a new computer which has "power sticks". Each stick is set to produce a different horsepower level to meet different balance of performance rules.Also Check Out - 720 Horespower McLaren 570GT Goes for Top Speed Autobahn RunIf your E46 has seen better days, the new M4 GTS can be yours for the equivalent of $190,000 (without the value added tax). Although it is not street legal, how many of you are already looking for an M4 Salvage Title? A new BMW M4 GTS for sale is as close as we will get, so check out the listings from our dealers and watch for the GT4 at the Nürburgring!

By Andrew Nabors – May 18, 2017

BMW 760Li Goes for Top Speed on the Autobahn

If you had twelve cylinders and two turbochargers, would you use them in a proper fashion? That is the question every supercar owner must ask themselves when it comes time for something new. You might not consider BMW's new 7 Series to be a supercar, but it is changing the industry for full-size sedans. The body is made of carbon fiber modules linked by high strength steel and aluminum. It is lighter and stronger than anything in its class, so it was also bestowed with incredible power. While a 4.4 liter V8 is fine for most, the top model M760Li borrows the 6.6 liter twin-turbo V12 from the Rolls-Royce Wraith and Dawn.Also Check Out: Hot Cars For SaleThis monster makes 590 lb-ft of torque and 610 horsepower. It can reach 62 mph in 3.7 seconds, and the M Driver's Package allows for a top speed limited to 189 mph. To see if it really is "The Ultimate Driving Machine", our friends at AutoTopNL decided to hit the Autobahn. Because factory speedometers are often as slow as the Pony Express, this run features an aftermarket GPS speedo on the windshield. A clear view of the torque display shows a max of 800 newton-meters, or almost 600 lb-ft. Most cars we review don't allow brake-boosting, so you turbo enthusiasts will be spoiled. Watch how the quick the gear changes pull timing. Torque drops out to save on transmission wear but its almost imperceptible without the gauge. If you are looking for a new BMW 760 for sale, our dealers will be happy to help you. As always, stay with us for more wild & unlimited Autobahn action.

By Edward Jones – May 08, 2017

Why Oil Spills are Bad: BMW Crashes Hard on Nurburgring

There are plenty of spy movies out there where the main character drives are car filled with gadgets. Among those gadgets is more than likely something that will spray oil out of the back of the car in order to make the car chasing them spin out. While this may seem only possible in movies, it actually happens more often than you'd think, especially on the Nurburgring Nordschleife.Green Hell Car Channel recently uploaded a video displaying just how dangerous oil spills can be at high speeds. In the video we see a BMW taking a corner quite fast, only to spin out on the exit and smash into a barrier. The uploader claims it to be an oil spill, but a commenter (320iSTWEdition) on the video notes that it could be a "hanging radiator" defect, which is apparently common on this model. They note: "The old radiators bend outwards in the lower row and one day it just blows open, spilling coolant all over the road right in front of the rear wheels.Wrong time and place and this can be the result.So if you own one of these, no matter which engine or body type, check the radiator at the bottom before it catches you out!"BMW For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 13, 2016

Justice Quickly Served to Impatient BMW Driver

The ability to be patient is a blessing, especially when you're on the road. Let's face it, rushing to get to your destination can put yourself and others in the way of danger. Well, it looks like the driver of this BMW learned the hard way that rushing through a yellow light can lead to disaster.(Related - BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100: Minority Report Meets Real Life)Uploaded to YouTube and recorded by way of dashcam is a video of a BMW driver who got a little too overzealous when taking a left-hand turn. The first sign of trouble was when the BMW tried to cut off the recording driver by way of driving through the hatched road markings. Well, those road markings were there on purpose, because only the one lane could turn left considering that only one lane was present in the upcoming road. Because of this, the BMW was forced to hit a school bus and drive up and onto a median.I have to at least give it to the BMW driver because he didn't start blaming everyone else when he got out of the car. Hopefully, he now knows that this left-hand turn results in just one lane.BMW E30 For Sale

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