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 – September 15, 2015

BMW M6 Coupe Competition Edition Revealed

Unveiled today in a press release and yesterday at the 2015 International Auto Show (IAA) is the new BMW M6 Coupe Competition Edition. This new special edition is exclusively for the M6 Coupe optioned with the Competition package. The Competition Edition is essentially a boost of power and style for the specific aforementioned car.The power created by the twin turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine is increased to 600 hp and maximum torque of 516 lb-ft, a decent increase from the base M6's 552 hp and 502 lb-ft. Top speed of the coupe is also increased to 189.5 mph.(See Also: 2016 BMW M6 GT3 Fully Introduced at IAA)The M6 Coupe Competition Edition comes in either Alpine White or Austin Yellow metallic. To signify its special edition status are the iconic BMW M exterior body stripes that come with the package. Matte black 20-inch wheels contrast against both the vibrant finishes and body stripes, as do the black chrome door handles, side gills and kidney grille.Inside is a BMW Individual interior clad in fine-grain black Merino leather with contrast stitching available in either Opal White with Alpine White paintwork, or Yellow with Austin Yellow metallic paintwork. "M6 Competition" lettering can be found throughout the cabin, even on the cupholder lids.Technology available through this package includes the BMW Head-Up Display, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System and Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System.Pricing for the Competition Edition option starts at €17,700, or approximately $20,000 USD as of press time. This price does not include the other required options, which amount to roughly $2,700 USD.BMW M6s For SaleGallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News, Pics and Videos

By Caitlin Duffy – September 15, 2015

2016 BMW M6 GT3 Fully Introduced at IAA

We've had a few sightings of the 2016 BMW M6 GT3 in full camoflauge over the past year, but with the Sept. 17 start of the Frankfurt International Motor Show just two days away, BMW has fully revealed their new GT race car. Original rendering of the M6 GT3 from Oct. 2014Customer race teams will be able to purchase this new powerhouse by the end of this year for a price of €379,000, or approximately $428,707 USD as of press time. A press release issued today by the marque shared a full gallery of this upgraded M6 wearing BMW racing livery, and it may be one of the first times we can say that it truly looks like the first renderings we saw.Its arrival as the successor to the Z4 GT3 was first announced in October 2014, when BMW released two renderings of its design and announced that the M Twin Power Turbo 4.4-liter V8 would be powering it.On Feb. 5, that information was expanded, and we learned that 500 hp from the V8 would be channeled through a six-speed sequential racing transmission, which will propel the 2,866 lbs M6 GT3 to impressive speeds. But today we've learned, too, that the driver is centrally positioned in the vehicle, all while drivability, economy and handling have been improved drastically.(See Also: Montblanc for BMW Travel Collection for the 7 Series)Check out the photos of this new race car below, keep an eye on circuits near you for the 2016 BMW Sports Trophy series and find your own M6 more suited to daily driving from our exclusive listings.BMW M6s For SaleGallery (Source: BMW) See More News from Frankfurt

By Caitlin Duffy – September 09, 2015

BMW Produces 10 Millionth 3 Series Sedan

BMW is breaking out the champagne today; they have some serious celebrating to do.In a case of fortunate timing and wonderful circumstance, BMW is currently celebrating both the 40th anniversary of the 3 Series Sedan and the production of the 10 millionth 3 Series Sedan. A press release issued by the German luxury car manufacturer today announced the completion of model number 10 million, a 320d in Imperial Blue.The BMW Group Plant Munich had the honor of crafting this special example, and the location could not have been more appropriate. The Munich facility produced the first of the 3 Series cars in 1975, and has been the only BMW production facility to create all six of the 3 Series' generations. As the release tells us, they currently create 1,000 cars a day in Munich, with approximately half being 3 Series models.(See Also: The BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R Out in the Desert)The new 3 Series was just released in July of this year, and its official launchfilm was released on YouTube May 24. Check out the video of this new generation above, and find your own 3 Series from our exclusive listings below.3 Series For Sale (Source: BMW, YouTube) See More BMW News

By Caitlin Duffy – August 17, 2015

The BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R Out in the Desert

A creation from BMW marking two important milestones for the marque was introduced to the world as the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R Aug. 14, and a video shared by the manufacturer gives us a better idea of what the 3D view looks like.Both in a press release Aug. 14 and the Aug. 16 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, BMW celebrated the 40th anniversary of their first entry into the North American market, as well as the 40th anniversary of the 3.0 CSL's victories. The Hommage R wears the same livery as the original 3.0 CSL, and you can see the two together in the video below.Added to YouTube by BMW Aug. 14, it takes us into the desert and above the two BMWs, one from the past, one looking toward the future. The new Hommage R Concept may look like the 1975 creation on the outside, but on the inside, it's all 22nd century. It even forgoes the head-up display and jumps straight to a helmet visor display setting.Check out the video to see more, read our article from last week to learn more and find your own BMW from our exclusive listings below.BMWs For Sale(Source: BMW) See More BMW News

By Edward Jones – August 14, 2015

BMW Concept M4 GTS is a Water-Injected Monster

It has only been a year since BMW launched the new M4 Coupe, but the German automaker has already introduced the new Concept M4 GTS.Unveiled in a press release issued today, the new Concept M4 GTS has a large number of optimizations that make it ride above the rest. One of the most interesting upgrades is the new water injection system. This system emits a fine spray into the intake manifold, which reduces the combustion chamber's temperature and allows for higher boost pressure without introducing additional stress.(Related: BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R Concept Celebrates Anniversary)On its outside, this new M4 has an exterior finished in Frozen Dark Grey Metallic with Acid Orange accents. The exterior is also highlighted by the manually adjustable front splitter and wing, each of which is crafted from carbon fiber.Specifics about the car's performance are unknown as of right now, but we do know that it will be a series-produced model, with production numbers also unknown. Stay with us for more information on the car as it is released.BMWs For SaleGallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News, Pics and Videos

By Edward Jones – August 14, 2015

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R Concept Celebrates Anniversary

To mark BMW's 40th anniversary of being in North America and the success of the 3.0 CSL in 1975, the German automaker has created the new BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R.BMW has brought the car to California for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, one of the most prestigious car shows in the world. They also announced the car in a press release issued today, which is full of details and photos.On the outside, the 3.0 CSL Hommage R is very similar to the 3.0 CSL Hommage, but has a livery that harks back to the original. In fact, there are even "Bavarian Motor Works" decals on the front and rear windscreens, just like the original. Inside, the cabin is almost bare, but that's because the necessary gauges are displayed on the driver's helmet visor in a sci-fi movie sort of way.(See Also: Bang & Olufsen Sound for the BMW X5 & X6)From the inside out, this is a rightfully gorgeous car with a classic-styled livery that blends effortlessly with modern design cues. And that's not to mention the cabin's technology is something that has me more than interested.For now, this is only a concept car, but it's most definitely a look into the future of BMW race cars, as well as the technology and design cues that will shape them.Gallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News, Pics and Videos

By Caitlin Duffy – August 07, 2015

Bang & Olufsen Sound for the BMW X5 & X6

In your hands, you can feel the steady vibrations of the steering wheel. 445 hp is at your disposal, pulled along by 480 lb-ft of torque. A 4.4-liter V8 creates it all, sending a rumble through the body of the car. But something more clear, deep and crisp overpowers it all - the steady beat of a bass drum, enveloping you in music from every angle. The Bang & Olufsen patented Acoustic Lens emerges from the dashboard as the system turns on.It sounds like an experience reserved for a night out with your favorite car - but it's not. It's a daily drive in your BMW X5 or X6 with the High End Surround Sound System from Bang & Olufsen.With the Bang & Olufsen sound systems found in BMW's vehicles, the marque has made sure it never leaves drivers or passengers wanting for rich beautiful sound. Since 1925, Bang & Olufsen has been recognized worldwide as being the front runner of high-quality audio systems, but it wasn't until 2005 that they introduced their first system for the automotive market. In the ten years since, they've mastered the art, and the BMW X5 and X6 both feature this stunning sound.The X5 and X6 are the latest BMW models to feature the high-end Surround Sound system. They bring the same deeply layered, yet completely homogeneous sound that drivers have enjoyed in BMW's sedans to the sport activity vehicle (SAV). The system features Bang & Olufsen's patented Acoustic Lens Technology, which accurately spreads music's high-frequency sounds throughout the cabin, ensuring all passengers are in the best listening position. The Acoustic Lens is integrated into the dashboard and precisely emerges and gently illuminates when the system is turned on.Other innovative technologies on board include a powerful, yet efficient Class D amplifier with a dedicated channel for each speaker in the vehicle - 16 in total. TrueImage Processing is the brains behind the system, offering the most life-like 5.1 surround sound expereince on wheels. Dynamic Sound Optimization (DySop) technology ensures your listening experience is always optimized. This intelligent technology actively adjusts all system parameters to compensate for changes in the cabin's listening environment, whether coming from within our outside the vehicle.While the technology is impressive, the biggest contributor to the quality of this sound is the 400 hours of sound tuning each model undergoes during development. Bang & Olufsen's world-renowned Acoustic Engineers tested and tuned by ear and by digital measurement, both in their labs and on the Autobahn at speeds up to 155 mph. Take your X5 to the track and enjoy a Sonata at 100 mph - only your adrenaline will keep you from hearing every note.[infobox bg="gray" color="black" opacity="on" subtitle="Speakers: 16 Fully Active PremiumAcoustic Lens Technology: Delivers 180 degrees of sound dispersionAmplifier: Class D 16-Channel with 1,200 wattsSound Features: 5.1 Surround Sound with Bang & Olufsen TrueImage ProcessingSpeaker Grilles: Anodized Aluminum"]Quick FactsOf course, the beauty of this sound system is found in its visual presentation as well. You won't necessarily need to see the Bang & Olufsen name laser-engraved into the surfaces of the grilles to know who crafted them. Round, solid aluminum and anodized in BMW's exclusive Perlglanz (Pearl Gloss) color, each is crafted at Bang & Olufsen's state of the art aluminum processing facility in Denmark.Two distinct audio modes can also help refine the system's ability to match your desired listening experience. The "Expanded Mode" option is meant to broaden the sound stage and imitate the feeling of concert hall acoustics, while "Studio Mode" lets you hear the music as the artist initially intended, fully incorporating the original recording's complete atmosphere.No day is ordinary when experienced by an extraordinary person, and each mode ensures your aural experience matches the quality of a BMW drive.For the best selection of models equipped with the Bang & Olufsen system, reach out to one of their preferred dealerships throughout the United States. Scan the list below to find the one closest to you, and find the aural and automotive experience you didn't know you'd been craving.Advantage BMW Group | Houston, Texas BMW Encinitas | Encinitas, California Classic BMW | Plano, Texas Global Imports BMW | Atlanta, Georgia Vista BMW Coconut Creek | Coconut Creek, FloridaGallery Sponsored by Bang & Olufsen See More BMW News

By Caitlin Duffy – July 29, 2015

New BMW App Predicts Traffic Lights For You

No longer will you have to wonder whether the light will turn red before you can make it through the intersection - BMW is sure of that.However, there are a few barriers to using this technology. First, it's incredibly new, which means it's still developing and growing. This can be seen in the fact that the app requires that the city you're driving in has an integrated network of smart traffic signals. It is also currently only available through the Apple AppStore, and must be downloaded on your phone to be used in your car. But, it's compatible with any BMW that has the BMW Apps option.(See Also: The Electric and Hybrid Showdown: i8 vs. Model S)If you don't have a BMW compatible with this program, you can still download the app - and you can download it for free. However, the tech in the basic version is more basic, and doesn't incorporate all of the features available for the BMW version.Our advice? Find yourself a new 7-series and prepare to have more control over your time - both on the road and in your car.BMWs For Sale (Source: BMW USA via MotorAuthority.com) See More BMW News

By Caitlin Duffy – July 21, 2015

The Electric and Hybrid Showdown: i8 vs Model S

Editor's Note: Do not attempt to recreate anything seen in the video below unless on a closed course under professional supervision. The editors at the duPont REGISTRY do not condone any illegal street activity, and remind you to always obey local traffic laws.It's 2015, which means cars capable of reaching insane speeds and absurd acceleration no longer need an engine or massive quantities of gasoline to do so. Case and point, the BMW i8 and Tesla Model S P85D.BMW's new hybrid beast still utilizes a gasoline engine, but the 1.5-liter TwinPower inline three-cylinder engine gets its true assist from the electric motor. Combined they create an impressive 357 hp and 420 lb-ft, all of which is required to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds.The Model S P85D does not use an engine. Its battery pack stores 85 kWh of energy, and two electric motors create a 691 hp and " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>. It can reach 62 mph from a standstill in just 3.2 seconds - mostly thanks to the fact that torque is instantly available.(See Also: 2015 Denali XL Stretch Mobile Office by Big Limos Inc.)So when the two are matched up on the road, who wins? DragTimes added a video to YouTube July 19 showing a test of the two against each other, with both the Tesla and the BMW's points of view included. Is the power of the P85D's Insane Mode enough to push it past the i8, or does its 4,936 lb curb weight prevent it from overtaking the 3,455 lb i8?Check out the full spec comparison of the two below, let us know who you think the winner is and then watch the video above to see who wins. Engine: Two electric motorsTransmission: 1-speedHorsepower: 691Torque: " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> Curb Weight: 4,647 lbsLength: 196 inches0-62 mph: 3.2 secondsTop Speed: 155 mphView Model S' For Sale Engine: 1.5-liter TwinPower I-3 & electric motorTransmission: 6-speed automaticHorsepower: 357Torque: 420 lb-ftDry Weight: 3,455 lbsLength: 184.9 inches0-62 mph: 4.2 secondsTop Speed: 155 mphView i8s For Sale(Source: YouTube) See More Automotive Videos

By Caitlin Duffy – July 20, 2015

M3 Interior in Blue & Silver from BMW Individual Manufaktur

Though some might argue that the performance of a BMW M3 is enough to find one for yourself, many would also say that BMW Individual Manufaktur's ability to craft a unique car suited to your tastes is just as good of a reason.One of the latest creations from BMW's bespoke division was shared on the marque's Facebook page today, with four images showing in stunning color the interior of a newly updated M3. Heavily cloaked with carbon fiber and Merino leather, it's a stunning use of contrasting colors and fine materials.Fjord Blue is paired with Silverstone on the seats, center console, dash and door insets, while the rest of the car is swathed in sleek black. M badging is seen on the handbrake handle and center console. The exterior features a BMW Individual special paint: Fashion Grey uni.(See Also: Designing the BMW 7 Series)Take a moment to see what BMW's Individual Manufaktur can create for you, then find your own M3 to adjust accordingly from our exclusive listings.M3s For SaleGallery (Source: Facebook) See More BMW News

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