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 Edward Jones – October 27, 2015

BMW M1 Design Study Supercar: Could It Happen?

It's been over three decades since production of the BMW M1 ended back in 1981. Since then, fans of the German supercar have been waiting for its successor. The closest taste we've had of a revival was the M1 Homage, a concept created in 2008 to celebrate the car's 30th anniversary.(See Also: Tesla Drone Design Concept)For Giom Mouton, a South African rendering artist, the wait has become unbearable. So, he's taken matters into his own hands and has created a new M1 Design Study.Mouton released images of a GT3-styled M1 concept and a standard version on his Facebook page yesterday, Oct. 26. These images show an incredible car concept, the likes of which we haven't seen since the M1 itself. Its long, sloping lines and wide rear are exactly what you'd want in a supercar. Collaborating with these supercar design cues are various notes of BMW design, including the grill and the GT-3 version's livery. One of the best parts? This concept has a mid-engine setup, just like the original M1.Check out the concept below and let us know if you think BMW should make something similar to this in the comments section.BMWs For SaleGallery (Source: Facebook via BMW Blog) More BMW News

By Edward Jones – October 14, 2015

The First-Ever BMW M2 Revealed

It's been only a couple of years since BMW discontinued the 1M, but we've been craving another smaller M-powered car since. Arriving just in time to save us is the all-new 2016 BMW M2 Coupe.Unleashed to the world in a press release issued today, this new model is essentially a beefed up version of the already popular M235i. It harnesses power from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, which rates at 370 hp and up to 369 lb-ft of torque. This is a 50 hp and 39 lb-ft increase over the M235i.Something to be appreciated about the M2's powertrain is that BMW allows you to choose between the standard six-speed manual transmission, with throttle blipping for easier downshifts, and the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In a world where we're leaving the manual transmission behind ever so slowly, purists will appreciate this.When fitted with the automatic transmission, BMW states that the M2 Coupe's 0-62 mph time is just 4.3 seconds and 4.5 seconds with the manual transmission, with a governed top speed of 155 mph. However, the optional M Driver's Package can increase the top speed to 168 mph.(See Also: BMW M4 GTS in Action)A quicker 0-62 mph sprint and possibly quicker lap times are not only possible because of the added power, but also because of the Active M Differential. This active differential maximises traction in tight situations. Turn on the Dynamic Stability Control (MDM), which allows wheel slip, and you can enjoy the BMW drifts that you know and love - on a closed course with professional supervision, of course.Aside from the redesigned front and rear ends that include a new diffuser and larger air intakes, BMW has added width and length to the car to make it even more muscular than before. In the front, an additional 2.16 inches have been added to the body, while the rear has an added 3.15 inches. These new dimensions not only help the M2 hug corners a bit more easily, they also allow space for the 19-inch wheels and new Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires (front: 245/35 ZR 19, rear: 265/35 ZR 19).Unfortunately, pricing for the M2 Coupe has not been revealed yet, but sales are expected to start early next year.Gallery (Source: BMW) BMW News, Videos and Pics

By Caitlin Duffy – October 08, 2015

BMW M4 GTS in Action

On paper, the BMW M4 GTS is one of the most impressive creations to carry the M badge. But when you see it hitting a wet track, you'll know that fact is certain.Capable of finishing the Nürburginring's Nordschleife in just 7 minutes 28 seconds and reaching 62 mph from a standstill in 3.8 seconds, this new M4 is unlike any before it. As we found out yesterday, an innovative water injection system vastly improves the engine's abilities, leading to some insane performance from the turbocharged six-cylinder.(See Also: BMW Concept Stunt G 310 Motorcycle Introduced)BMW shares a look at that performance in a video added to their YouTube page Oct. 6. After seeing how incredibly well the M4 GTS handles a slick track, it cuts back and forth from one to two cars on the track, with the second purportedly showing "yesterday's" track run. The first car finishes a half second before the second, and text flashes onto the screen asking viewers to do one simple thing: "Challenge yourself."Check out the video below, and if you can't quite wait to get your hands on this water-injected monster, find an existing M4 from our exclusive listings.M4s For Sale (Source: YouTube) See More BMW News

By Caitlin Duffy – October 07, 2015

BMW Concept Stunt G 310 Motorcycle Introduced

Another motorcycle design has come rolling out of BMW's doors, but this one is for one specific purpose: stunt riding.With a balance between aggressiveness and control, the Concept Stunt G 310 motorcycle has hit that perfect sweet spot of being compact and agile with enough power to easily strike any pose. As a press release issued today by the German auto manufacturer describes, four-time World and European stunt riding champion Chris Pfeiffer assisted in its development, lending his expertise in the field to their program.“Stunt riding is a demanding and multi-faceted sport. Ideally you need a compact, agile bike which is also stable and robust at the same time," said Pfeiffer in the release.Based on a single-cylinder study, the G 310 concept features quite a few modifications specific to stunt bikes, including a lockable throttle for constant propulsion and two rear wheel brakes. The larger rear brake is activated using a brake lever on the left handlebar, in a location that allows it to be used at the same time as the clutch.(See Also: BMW M4 GTS Production Model Revealed: Specs and Pics)But what stands out most is the bike's bright appearance. Classic white acts as the base color, while the red and blue of BMW's M division play around the exterior with the green and yellow of Brazil's flag, since the bike was unveiled in Brazil at South America's largest motorcycle show. Check out the photos of this agile new motorcycle in the gallery below, and find yourself a four-wheeled BMW from our exclusive listings.BMWs For SaleGallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News

By Edward Jones – October 07, 2015

BMW M4 GTS Production Model Revealed: Specs and Pics

Back on Aug. 14, BMW unveiled the BMW Concept M4 GTS: a water-injected take on the M4 Coupe. Fast forward to today, and BMW has unveiled the production version of the car and all of its specifications in a press release.Being called, unsurprisingly, the M4 GTS, it's the first high-performance special edition BMW has created for the M3/M4 model range, according to the release. But what makes it high-performance? Well, the new water-injection system is a great place for us to start.At its core, the M4 GTS utilizes the turbocharged six-cylinder engine found in the M3/M4. Unlike the base models, however, the GTS has what BMW is calling "innovative water injection technology." This new injection system raises the power up to 500 hp, a 75 hp increase over the base model, and 442 lb-ft of torque, a 36 lb-ft increase over the base model.(See Also: New Porsche 911 Targa 4 & Carrera 4 Models Introduced)Thanks to the car's lightweight carbon fiber construction and the aforementioned boost of power, the M4 GTS is quick. In fact, it can complete a 0-62 mph run in 3.8 seconds, .3 seconds faster than the base model, and has a limited top speed of 189.5 mph, which is 33.5 mph faster than the base model.To make the car even more capable is the three-way M coilover suspension that can be adjusted depending on conditions or the driver's taste. This suspension combined with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires (front: 265/35 R19, rear: 285/30 R20), a light weight and massive power, makes the M4 GTS a monster on the track. So much so that BMW says it can complete Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 7 minutes 28 seconds.Only 700 units of the BMW M4 GTS are planned for production, at a currently unknown price.M4s For SaleGallery (Source: BMW) See more BMW News, Photos and Videos

By Caitlin Duffy – October 01, 2015

New BMW X4 M40i Introduced

BMW's M division has taken another model and cranked it up to impressive levels, bringing a new entry to the Sports Activity Coupe segment. The BMW X4 M40i is a dynamic drive that's just as beautiful as it is capable, and the new top-of-the-line offering for the X4 series.A full look at this 4-door model shows a sleek design both inside and out, with special color choices adding a new level of distinction. A press release issued today by the marque include quite a few images, and says that he X4 M40i is "setting new standards with even more keenly honed driving dynamics, a high degree of emotionalism and singular exclusivity."The front and side mirrors have been finished in Ferric Grey, and when combined with Chrome Black tailpipes and 20-inch, M light-alloy, double-spoke wheels, they create a striking appearance for the car. The interior shows off its M styling in the form of M leather on the steering wheel and an M gear shift lever, as well as on the sport seats and model-specific door sills.This model sees the world premier of a new M developed engine, a TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder. The power created has been cranked up to 360 hp and 343 lb-ft, meaning the X4 M40i can sprint from 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds and reach an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.(See Also: BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R's Booming Engine)Check out the photos of this new release in the gallery below, and find your own X4 from our exclusive listings. Gallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News

By Edward Jones – September 25, 2015

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R's Booming Engine

It's not often that you get to hear a concept car's engine, and that's mostly due to a lot of concept cars not even having engines. Luckily, BMW's 3.0 CSL Hommage R concept car has been fitted with an engine and they're not afraid to show it off.(Related: Real-Life Bugatti Vision GT Engine Sounds Monstrous)In a video uploaded by WorldSupercars Sept. 24, we get a chance to hear the concept BMW start its turbocharged six-cylinder inline engine and even rev it. This all took place at a BMW event in Paris, where lucky guests got the chance to experience the sound for themselves.Check out the video above to hear the engine for yourself.This car was created to mark BMW's 40th anniversary of being in North America, and to celebrate the success of the 3.0 CSL in 1975. It was first unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance earlier this year. See More BMW Videos, Pics and News

By Andrew Nabors – September 22, 2015

2013 BMW M3 Lime Rock Park Edition For Sale

Lime Rock Park is an historic Race Track in Salisbury, Connecticut. It is host to a wide variety of motorsports events, from NASCAR to SCCA and everything in between. Before the debut of the latest M3 body style, BMW chose to build 200 of the last E92 series M3 coupes as a tribute to the track. The 2013 BMW M3 Lime Rock Park Edition included every possible option along with titanium exhaust and a wild Fire Orange finish.You might associate the M3 with inline six cylinder power, but this generation featured a high winding, naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8. Built from 2008 to 2013, they made 414 hp and redlined at a wild 8,300 rpm. Their current offerings have changed, with the coupe being labeled an M4, and the return of the straight-six engine.BMW For SaleThe Lime Rock Park Edition will probably be the last V8 powered M3, and a coupe version of this storied model is not likely to return. This collector’s item is equipped with a six speed dual clutch automatic and has only 1,513 miles on the odometer. Our friends at Ferrari Maserati of Central Florida will be happy to give you more information on the car; call 407-667-4300 or email sales@ferraricf.comFor more classic and collectible BMWs, stay tuned to Autofluence.View PriceGallery See More Cars For Sale Sports Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 17, 2015

One-Off BMW M3 “Münchner Wirte” at Oktoberfest

Today, BMW announced plans to unveil a new M3 in “Münchner Wirte” livery. This one-off vehicle has been created to celebrate the company's ties with both motorsport and the city of Munich. Naturally, BMW will be unveiling the car during Oktoberfest in Munich, which runs from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4.The car sports a livery modeled after the BMW M1 Procar that raced 34 years ago, in 1981. But, this isn't the only similarity between the two cars: both have a six-cylinder in-line engine and rear-wheel drive.(See Also: Koenigsegg Founder Races Veyron Against His Own CCXR)Interestingly enough, the two engines of these cars are close when it comes to performance in power. The engine powering the M1 Procar develops 470 hp, which allows it to complete a 0-62 mph run in 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 193 mph. Powered by a new-age M TwinPower Turbo engine, the upcoming M3 has 431 hp on tap, and can run 0-62 mph in 4.1 seconds, topping out at 174 mph.But, at the end of the day, the M3 and M1 are two cars that respresent two different moments in BMW's history.“Although the two cars are very different, it was surprisingly straightforward to carry over the design from the two-door BMW M1 racer to the four-door BMW M3 Sedan,” said Walter Maurer, the man responsible for the original M1 Procar and the one-off M3.Be sure to check back with us for more exciting BMW news as it's released.M3s For SaleGallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News, Pics and Videos

By Caitlin Duffy – September 16, 2015

BMW Reveals Remote Control Parking, Additional Upgrades f...

Those who were planning on adding a new BMW to their collection may want to hold off on their purchase until November, when a host of new upgrades will become available for the marque's top models.Ranging from remote control parking to new engine options, customers ordering a 7 Series, 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, X1 or 2 Series Active Tourer will have a wider choice of features for their cars, as a press release from BMW today tells us. Most of the additional options come shortly after the 2016 7 Series' market launch, an impressive creation that already features a host of advanced technologies.A 3.0-liter, straight-six diesel engine offers up 320 hp and 501 lb-ft for the 7 Series, and will be available beginning in November. The V8 gasoline engine that was only available for 7 Series models ordered with the BMW xDrive system will also become available for models featuring rear-wheel drive in the same month. 0-62 mph takes only 4.7 seconds with the V8, which creates 450 hp and 479 lb-ft.BMW M6 For SaleOf course, the 7 Series' performance is only the beginning of why this model is so impressive. A wide variety of driver assist programs come in the 7 Series, and now customers can add Remote Controlled Parking to the list. The BMW Display key activates this function, which allows a car to pull into and out of straight-line parking spots or garages without a driver at the wheel.The X1 can now be equipped with BMW xDrive or upgraded to an M Sport version for the first time. X1s featuring the M Sport package have the ability to select Estoril Blue metallic paint, which will exclusively be available to those models. The interior will feature anthracite fabric or Alcantara with blue accents, M leather on the steering wheel, Estoril Blue accent strips and more.A new gasoline engine will be available for the 2 Series Active Tourer beginning in November, bringing the total engine options for this range up to eight - four diesel, four gasoline. BMW xDrive will also be available with this new engine option.(See Also: BMW M6 Coupe Competition Edition Revealed)The other models seeing upgrades, the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series and 4 Series, will all now have the ability to add Parking Assist to the list of assistance features, thanks to the addition of new sensors around the exterior of the vehicles.Check out the photos of these upgraded models below, and find your own BMW from our exclusive listings.BMWs For SaleGallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News

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