BMW News

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

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 18, 2016

BMW Debuts the Cruise M Bike Limited Edition

BMW is always looking towards innovation and style when they come out with a new model. This, though, is something we didn't even expect.Recently, BMW released the much-awaited M2 for sale, and to commemorate the M2, they are now launching the BMW Cruise M Bike Limited Edition. The bicycle is finished in the same Long Beach Blue color as the M2 and features a high-quality, light-weight aluminum frame and is limited to the production of 1,500 units. The design, which is complemented by "high-quality technical components" like a carbon seat post and spacer, give the bike a signature feeling on the road-- just like the performance expected from a BMW. It also includes larger wheels and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. The bike is suited for the long, open road or mountainous terrain.BMWs For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 14, 2016

BMW M5 Hits 192 MPH On The Autobahn

Give me a lever long enough and I will move the world. The words of Archimedes seem logical, but how much power does one really need?For the sixth and current generation of BMW's M5, a twin turbo V8 is used to make 560 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque. This level of power is capable of triple digit speeds in only a few seconds, so one anonymous German decided to film such an effort on the Autobahn. The car in question is rated at 600 hp with the optional competition pack. For the ultimate video of the ultimate driving machine, watch below for a driver's point of view.Achtung: We at the duPont REGISTRY do not endorse or condone such dangerous behavior. Always follow the posted speed limits and obey your local motoring laws! BMW M5s For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 12, 2016

BMW M5: Price, Specs, Review and Photos

BMW M5 Specs Price: $93,600 Engine: 4.4-liter twin turbo V8 Horsepower: 560 hp 0–60: 4.2 seconds Top Speed: 155 mph Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic or 6-speed manual Torque: 500 lb-ft ReviewThe BMW M5, an exquisite example of BMW’s luxury performance combination, makes 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque through its 4.4-liter twin turbo V8. Utilizing the same engine that powers the M6, the M5 offers immense luxury with an undeniable sense of power. The seven-speed dual clutch transmission offers blistering shifts, and thankfully the M5 also comes with the option of a six-speed manual.The exterior is flowing, yet rigid, suggesting a simultaneously aggressive and humble appearance. Its luxuries do not outweigh its sporting aspects, however, with Dynamic Damper Control offering three driving modes: SPORT+, SPORT and COMFORT. These modes customize the shock absorbers' firmness, allowing a drive that feels exactly how its driver is feeling. The interior is fully upholstered in fine leather with many personalization options, including a Bang & Olufsen surround sound package available. Expect to see more detailed features as the 2016 BMW M5 gets closer to its release.BMW M5s For Sale Buy Your Issue Now

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – March 07, 2016

BMW Envisions Future with Vision Next 100 Concept

Looking 100 years into the future to celebrate their 100 year past, BMW envisions a concept fit for the years to come. The VISION NEXT 100 concept focuses on "Sheer Driving Pleasure," according to the car maker, with driver experience at the top of the list.VISION NEXT 100 features an array of futuristic components, which allow the driver to be fully immersed and connected to the vehicle for an intense driving experience. Innovation permeates the vehicle, but BMW pays special attention to three factors in particular: intuitive technology called Digital Companion, aerodynamics and object alter through Alive Geometry and intense vs laid back driving experience thanks to Boost and Ease functionality.Ergonomics and intuitive technology are all taken into account as the interior is fashioned to "create space and the right atmosphere for entertainment and relaxation according to the driver's preference," according to the car maker. While the car is being self-driven through Digital Companion, the driver can relax in comfort.Like something out of Minority Report, the Alive Geometry transforms the dashboard of the vehicle into a mass of moving triangles that the driver can manipulate according to their exterior surroundings. The purpose of this Alive Geometry is to provide the VISION NEXT 100 with the most accurate, real-time information on surroundings.The two driving modes, Boost and Ease, give the driver complete control over their experience. Boost mode is for the driver that wishes to be in control-- as he or she would in a traditional, 21st Century vehicle. Ease mode allows the car to be self-driven so the driver can relax on their journey.The new VISION NEXT 100 concept is definitely something out of the not-so-distant future. Check out more photos below. What do you think of the vehicle? Let us know in the comments below.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 22, 2016

2016 BMW M3: Price, Specs, Review and Photo

2016 BMW M3 Specs Price: $68,850 Engine: 3.0-liter twin turbo straight 6 Horsepower: 425 hp 0–60: 4.7 seconds Top Speed: 163 mph Transmission: 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic Torque: 406 lb-ft ReviewWith BMW’s M designation and 30 years of on and off track accomplishments, the 2015 M3 is a mesmerizing combination of digital and mechanical performance. Available exclusively as a sedan, power comes from a twin turbocharged, 425 horsepower inline six-cylinder engine. Available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the driver is offered a wide range of suspension, engine and transmission settings. Exterior updates for 2016 are full LED taillights and new color choices. Inside, the navigation and climate control software is more user friendly. This M3 blends style and cutting edge performance at an excellent value. Did we mention how fast this sedan is? The 30-50 mph takes only 1.9 seconds, a figure staunchly supportive of the M3’s claim to mid-range power. BMW has used 30 years of M3 development wisely, and has produced a useful sedan with looks to turn heads, speed to satisfy those who live for the passing lane and adaptable comfort for those who desire versatility.BMW i8s For Sale Buy Your Issue Now

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 16, 2016

Rinspeed Creates Self-Driving Σtos Concept Based on BMW i...

Much speculation centers around the illusive self-driven car that we've all been waiting to see for the past few years, but Rinspeed is looking to put that speculation to rest. Though others have tried, Rinspeed is out to set the standard for the best, most humanly compatible self-driving car and will present the Σtos Concept Based on BMW i8. The design and specifications of the Σtos are truly something special.The car will feature a retractable steering wheel the retreats into the dashboard, which provides the human "driver" with more space to work, read or partake in another activity. Two 21.5 inch wide screen HD monitors adorn the dashboard and are adjustable to fit the driver and passenger's needs. Equipped with Harman Connected Car technology, the Σtos employs a "personal assistant of sorts" much like iPhone's Siri. The technology is able to provide entertainment, information and anticipate the needs of the passengers.Σtos focuses not only on having the best of technology, but also employing the most effective safety measures. According to Rinspeed,A total of eight HD exterior cameras visually monitor the vehicle surroundings completely. This makes impressive 180-degree panoramic views in front of the vehicle and behind possible and provides virtual “exterior mirrors” with an expanded field of vision that has no blind spots. People and objects in the entire vehicle surroundings are detected and tracked automatically. If they represent an accident hazard, the driver receives an appropriate warning.The Swiss car maker ensures that speed and agility will also be a factor for Σtos with wide 20-inch Borbet GTX aluminum rims and an aerodynamic body.The Σtos is set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show, but for now, check it out in the gallery below.BMW i8s For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 16, 2016

Revealed: BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition

As if the i8 couldn't get any sweeter, BMW recently announced on Facebook that the BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition will hit the market in July 2016 and only be available for a limited time. The exclusive red finish and small details in the Protonic Edition give the i8 an added aesthetic edge. The Protonic Edition will have the following exclusive features: Protonic Red Paint Frozen Gray metallic accents BMW W-spoke 470 light-alloy wheels Red double-stitching in interior High-grade carbon fibre and ceramic applications The i8 is all about futuristic sport, and a classic red finish and interior accents speak to the sportiness of the car. As you may well know, the i8 is a modern GT car made almost entirely of carbon fiber. The wonder material can be seen along the door jambs and other areas to make light of the car’s performance nature. With 23 miles of pure electric range, the i8 is also a sensible choice for a daily driver. The Protonic Edition just adds to the luxury and sport this hybrid car already exude.Here's a recap of the BMW i8 specs:2016 BMW i8 Specs Price: $136,500 Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder Horsepower: 357 hp 0–60: 4.2 seconds Top Speed: 155 mph Transmission: 6-speed automatic Torque: 420 lb-ft The Protonic Edition is set for sale this summer and although numbers haven't been verified yet, BMW promises a limited production.BMW i8s For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 12, 2016

Revealed: The New 2017 BMW M760Li xDrive

The BMW 7 Series is gaining a new, prestigious and powerful family member. Time to meet the M760Li xDrive. With this model, BMW tops its class in power, luxury, and technology.A 6.6-liter V12 TwinPower Turbo delivers 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, which puts the M760Li xDrive at the top of its class.An exclusive and "state-of-the-art eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission" comes standard in the new model. Thanks to the twin turbo technology, the car accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and hits top speeds of 155 mph when electronically limited, but without electronic limitation the new 7 series can reach 189 mph.2016 BMW M760Li xDrive Specs Price: TBD Engine: 6.6-liter V12 TwinPower Turbo Horsepower: 600 hp 0–60: 3.9 seconds Top Speed: 155 mph/ 189 mph Transmission: 8-speed automatic Torque: 590 lb-ft ExteriorThe new luxury sedan is setting records and beating one model after another in its class. BMW is calling the new edition to the 7-series "discreet and luxurious" a characterized by its sleek matte Cerium Gray finish and 20-inch light-alloy wheels complete with subtle highlighting thanks to strips across the front apron and door handles. According to a press release from BMW, "other notable exterior features include the mirror caps, likewise in Cerium Grey, V12 badges on the C-pillars, the M logos on the sides of the car and the xDrive lettering and model badge at the rear."InteriorThe steering wheel features exclusive M leather and and the M logo. The steering wheel includes a host of Pearl Gloss Chrome buttons and shift paddles for those that prefer manual gear changes. The front seats are adjusted electrically and Nappa leather covers the seats. The new model even includes deep-pile floor mats so passengers feel as though they're stepping on plush carpet.For the first time, the 7 Series will also feature the iDrive operating system, which will enable riders to control various aspects like volume control and accepting/rejecting phone calls with the wave of a hand. According to the press release, "Hand movements detected by a 3D sensor control infotainment functions in an extremely intuitive and user-friendly fashion."The price for the M760Li xDrive hasn't yet been release, but rest assured we'll keep you updated as we learn more.BMWs For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 10, 2016

BMW Turned the M2 Into a Safety Car

When you think of the BMW M series, "Safety Car" isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind, but you'd be mistaken as "M" cars have a long history of being the safety cars in various circuits. And the newly unveiled BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car proves the M2 looks just as good circling the track. The M2 Safety Car is set to appear, along with the M4 Coupe and M3, during this year's MotoGP season.BMW and MotoGP's relationship spans nearly 20 years and is set to continue through 2020. The latest technology and specialty modifications have been made to the M2 to ensure they are perfect to "use as lead cars on the motorcycle racing scene", as described in a BMW press release.The M2, which is lighter than bot the M4 and M3, offers 365 hp. This new M2 Safety Car is decked out in retro M livery and gold wheels to match. Gold accents run through the exterior and interior of the Safety Car, and the exterior has been adorned with a carbon fiber wing and exclusive body kit.Check out the M2 Safety Car below and tune in to the 2016 MotoGP season to see it in action.BMWs For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 10, 2016

2016 BMW i8: Price, Specs, Review and Photos

2016 BMW i8 Specs Price: $136,500 Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder Horsepower: 357 hp 0–60: 4.2 seconds Top Speed: 155 mph Transmission: 6-speed automatic Torque: 420 lb-ft ReviewPerformance hybrids are here to stay, and for its second year of production, BMW’s i8 receives a host of new content. While most manufacturers offer interior and exterior upgrades as additional line items, the Pure Impulse program bundles together every possible option available. Pure Impulse members will also receive a monthly magazine aimed at involving i8 owners in unique experiences and opportunities. A combined 357 horsepower and 420 pound-feet propel this composite coupe from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The i8 is a modern GT car made almost entirely of carbon fiber. The wonder material can be seen along the door jambs and other areas to make light of the car’s performance nature. With 23 miles of pure electric range, the i8 is also a sensible choice for a daily driver. The turbocharged 1.5-liter three cylinder is armed with two electric motor/generators. A combined 357 horsepower and 420 pound-feet propel this composite coupe from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.Control of the car is managed by the eDrive system. Armed with three driving modes, Comfort, Eco Pro and Sport, it brings together the regenerative braking, stability control and all-wheel-drive system into a cohesive unit. You won’t be bothered by much wind resistance on your way to155 mph. That’s because the exterior is more about clean airflow than downforce.The i8 stands as a proof of concept for many forward looking technologies, and it has been so popular that BMW has added another shift at the plant to keep up with demand. Rumors of a hotter version are in the works, but this level of power, efficiency and civility won’t be easily eclipsed.BMW i8s For Sale Buy Your Issue Now

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