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 Caitlin Duffy – July 17, 2015

Designing the BMW 7 Series

The 2016 7 Series from BMW is a stunning sedan that plays host to a wide range of new technologies and innovations from the marque.From gesture-controlled infotainment systems, to ambient lighting changes, customized scents, a larger heads up display and the ability to maneuver itself into and out of parking spaces, it's a step far into the future. It was all announced during the model's release June 10, but how do you go about designing the look for such a spectacular car?BMW shared a few photos from the design process on their Facebook page July 15, from the initial sketches, to a full scale drawing, to the carving of a clay model and stitching of leather for the seats. Despite the technological innovations present in the car, its design is an intricate and gentle process defined by human touch - one that a computer could never replicate or replace.(See Also: BMW X5 M Featuring M Performance Livery)Take a moment to get a closer look at the images from the process in the gallery below, and find your dream BMW from our exclusive listings.BMWs For Sale Gallery (Source: Facebook) See More BMW News

By Caitlin Duffy – July 14, 2015

BMW X5 M Featuring M Performance Livery

BMW's M Performance division is capable of creating some stunning things under the hood, but their ability to refine the exterior and create motion even when a car is parked is just as impressive. And when you get to the interior details of their final product, it's nearly love at first sight.They first introduced M's take on the X5 in October 2014, but in a gallery added to BMW's Facebook page July 13, they gave us a full look at what a true X5 M looks like. With a stunning white base color, this X5 M features the iconic M tri-color stripe along the bottom of the side sills and curving around to the rear exhaust. A hint of the two blues and red is also visible in the front vents.Carbon fiber accents every flat surface of the interior, as well as the gear shift, while black leather with contrast white stitching coats the rest."Pushing to the maximum," describes the gallery's caption. "And beyond." With the X5 M, they've pushed far enough for its 4.4-liter V8 to create 575 hp and 553 lb-ft, pushing it to 60 mph from a stop in 4.2 seconds.(See Also: BMW i8 Joins the Peninsula Hotel Shanghai's Vehicle Fleet)Find your own X5 M from our exclusive listings below, and stay with us to see more creations from BMW's M Performance.X5 Ms For SaleGallery (Source: Facebook, BMW) See More BMW News

By Caitlin Duffy – July 10, 2015

BMW i8 Joins The Peninsula Hotel Shanghai's Vehicle Fleet

Your next vacation to Shanghai just got a little bit greener and a little bit better.The Peninsula Shanghai has long offered unique ways of arriving at their hotel. As their website describes, guests have had the option of taking a helicopter, yacht, riverboat, jeepney, Tuk-Tuk, Mini Cooper, BMW or Rolls-Royce for decades, all depending only on your preferences.As BMW tells us, that range of offerings just expanded even further. The addition of a BMW i8 to the hotel's fleet was announced in a July 9 press release from the marque, describing how it has become the latest offering in their range of limousine service cars.In addition to adding BMW's newest eco-friendly supercar, The Peninsula Shanghai has also added public charging stations compatible with electric cars standardized for China. These stations, in addition to others installed throughout China, are part of BMW's effort to make electric vehicles an option for as many people as possible.(See Also: Stunning 2000 BMW Z8 For Sale)Own your own BMW i8 and join the earth-friendly supercar movement by finding one in our exclusive listings, and stay with us for more information from BMW as it is released.BMW i8s For Sale(Source: BMW, The Peninsula Shanghai) See More BMW News

By Edward Jones – July 10, 2015

Stunning 2000 BMW Z8 For Sale

Text and Images Provided by: LBI LimitedThe Z07 Concept was introduced at the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show, and with overwhelming interest it was quickly put into production as the Z8. Launched in Europe in 1999, then in the US in 2000, nearly 5,703 examples were produced with only 2,543 units destined for the US Market from 2000-2003.Penned by Henrik Fisker, who later acted as the Head of Design for both Aston Martin and Fisker Automotive, the Z8 has an overwhelming similarity to the 507 of 1956-1959. It evokes a sense of timelessness like its 507 predecessor and has design elements that give a classic look with creature comforts of the most basic nature, all while being the ultimate driving machine. Ordering for the Z8 offered few colors and options, but it was done to keep the vintage appeal pure while not spoiling any of the perfect lines of a long bonnet, two-seated, sports car.View Price and ListingZ8s aren’t necessarily rare, but with the rising market tide there has been quite a bit of interest and realization of the fact that they are an iconic car for little money. The performance is unequalled in the roadster class from 2000-2003, and the Z8 offers quite a bit for the collector actively seeking not only a reliable, modern performance car, but a car that is vintage in its design.The example on offer here, a 2000 Z8, has covered only 12,170 miles from new and is one of 317 examples for US distribution. It is finished in the ever popular and quite fitting color combination of Titanium Silver over Sport Red, and still retains both its soft and hard tops. Delivered new on December 15, 2000 to its first Texas owner, this example remained with only two owners until late 2014, when it came to New York and was put away for the winter.Upon spring, the current and third owner decided it was time for a new caretaker. It is apparent that the car has always been kept up with, serviced over the years and stored properly. The most recent service was just completed at BMW of the Mainline in Pennsylvania. The car received a total inspection and oil/filter service and was noted as otherwise totally in order. No doubt, it's a turn-key example with no known needs and a clean Carfax.Cosmetically, the car shows as nearly new overall. The paint is 100 percent original throughout as confirmed by a paint meter, touch and sight. The front of the car has been treated to a 3M Clear Bra and, as such, has none of the common “peppering” from high-speed road use. The panel fitment, glass, rubber, etc., are all factory, untouched and original with absolutely no previous accident repair of any kind.The lower valence on both sides has the ever so smallest imperfections in the form of light scrapes due to one or two instances of road rash from lack of ground clearance. Yet they're so minimal that they're not worth refinishing and hardly noticeable except upon extreme close inspection. The ever-contrasting red and black interior shows very well and is consistent with the mileage.There are signs of use, but no real wear to be concerned about. There are no blemishes, and overall the interior is basically new, tidy and clean, as is its consistency with the rest of the car.The engine bay is just as flawless as the interior, nearly new and without blemishes of any sort. It is here that one can plainly see factory markings and spot welds to uphold this example as completely accident-free, straight and factory original in every way. The trunk is of the same consistency and is complete with its compartments and accessories, nearly new and without complaints. Perhaps one other area that can be considered blemished is the passenger side rear of the hardtop, which shows one small chip on the corner/edge, likely from storage or installation/removal. The other is the soft top, which is slightly creased from storage, but with time up and in the sun it will easily return to normal. Neither item requires attention, and both are minor in their nature but worth disclosing to the benefit of a remote buyer.Overall, this Z8 is remarkable in its like-new appearance and condition; it's a nearly new car and easily an investment grade example. Included in the sale are the original tools, books, window sticker, two keys, a hardtop stand and cover. This is certainly an opportunity worth much consideration as the modern era of collecting will define this timeless BMW as a worthwhile investment and endless fun for true enthusiasts. (LBI Limited Facebook, www.LBIlimited.com) View Price and ListingGallery View More Cars For Sale

By Caitlin Duffy – July 07, 2015

BMW Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies Debut at BMW Group In...

BMW is just one of the marques working to develop the future of driving technology. Through the introduction of their i-Series, including the i8 and i3, they're bringing high performance to environmentally-sustainable drive systems, and at their recent BMW Group Innovation Days event, the next step was unveiled.For 30 years, BMW has been researching the potential of hydrogen, with the past 15 years spent developing a hydrogen fuel cell drive system that can produce the same performance levels BMW drivers are used to. As a press release July 2 described, that technology is now in the final stages of development, with the goal of having approved components available to the public by 2020."The hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) represents a pioneering concept focusing on locally emission-free mobility with hallmark BMW dynamics and a high level of energy efficiency," described the release, mentioning earlier that the development process achieved some incredible leaps once a 2013 partnership between BMW and Toyota was formed to combine research efforts.(See Also: BMW i8 Back to Back to Back Drag Races)With 245 hp created by the FCEV on display at the event, based on a 5 Series Gran Turismo, the hydrogen-fueled car is capable of many of the same things gasoline-powered vehicles are. A total range of 300 miles is available, refueling takes less than five minutes and all driving is completely emission-free, releasing only water vapor into the air as hydrogen is consumed.Of course, a major roadblock preventing the dissemination of this tech to the public is the lack of hydrogen infrastructure in many areas. But BMW and Toyota hope to change those restrictions."Hydrogen fuel cell drive system is a future-focused variant of BMW eDrive technology allowing all-electric driving with a high operating range and short refuelling times," described a caption on the marque's Facebook page, where they shared eight images from the driving event. "The BMW Group Innovation Days showed a vision of the future."Stay with us to learn more about the development of hydrogen fuel cell technologies, and find yourself a gasoline-powered BMW from our exclusive listings.BMWs For SaleGallery (Source: BMW, Facebook) See More BMW News

By Caitlin Duffy – June 23, 2015

BMW Individual for the 7 Series

The new 7-series from BMW is already a beyond impressive creation, with levels of technology and luxury rarely seen. But, of course, there is always a way to make them just a little bit better."It all starts with a striking first impression, conveying personal style and taste," describes a video from BMW, added to YouTube June 22, showing just how the 7 Series can become even better.The BMW Individual program allows you to create a bespoke vehicle, from the exterior color, to the type of leather used to cloak the interior. The particular example used in the video features Merino leather in Tartufo and Almondine brown metallic paint.Of course, these designer touches are in addition to the existing luxury in each 7 Series. From the Welcome Light Carpet that illuminates during entry and exit of the vehicle, to the customized Ambient Fragrances and Ambient Light, each feature makes the car feel more and more as though it was created especially for you.(See Also: Winners of the 2015 International Engine of the Year Awards)Learn all about the 7 Series in our June 10 article about its unveiling, and watch the video above to learn about the bespoke design options available. When you're finished, check out our list of BMW dealers, and find one near you to begin creating your custom 7 Series.7 Series Listings (Source: YouTube) See More BMW News

By Caitlin Duffy – June 17, 2015

Lexani Wheels on a Modified BMW 550i M-Sport

When it comes to taking an impressive vehicle and turning it into a unique creation reflecting your own style, Lexani has the perfect options.With 20" Euro Red Finish wheels, this modified BMW 550i M Sport is the perfect example of that special Lexani touch. The front features 20x8.5 wheels and the rear sports 20x10, and all four are CSS-8 Euro Red Finish wheels, from the Concave Super Sport Series. For tires, the front wheels are wearing a size 245/35/20, while 285/30/20 tires are on the rear.Though this particular BMW features the Executive Package options and has been lowered on Vogtland Performance Springs, yours can also become just as eye catching. Visit out Lexani's website to see the other finishes you can select for your CSS-8 wheels. Available in either 20" or 22", these eight-split-spoke wheels instantly up curb appeal.Take a moment to browse the gallery below to get a closer look at the Euro Red Finish option, and the video above, added to YouTube June 15 by LexaniTV, to see just how they spin.Gallery (Source: Lexani, YouTube) See More Lexani News

By Caitlin Duffy – June 10, 2015

New 2016 BMW 7-Series Launched (Mega Gallery)

It was first teased in a tantalizing video April 27, and now, less than two months later, we get to see it in its full glory: the new 2016 BMW 7-Series.Sleek, powerful and discretely understated, this new take on the 7-Series is filled to the brim with technologies straight from any spy film of the 20th or 21st century. As the press release issued today tells us, it can pull itself out of your garage or in to a tight parking space. Buttons are obsolete thanks to touch screens and gesture controls. The heads up display is larger and brighter.Creating a luxurious ambiance was key in the development of this new line, and it's apparent in every detail. From the Ambient light option, to Ambient Fragrances, you can select the colors you want to be surrounded by and the scents your nose prefers.There's even a Welcome Light Carpet, a line of light strips along the side of the car that illuminate as you enter and exit.Of course, nothing can describe its features quite as well as the video "The all-new BMW 7 Series. All you need to know." from BMW, added to their YouTube page today. Check the informational video out above, the official launch video below, and an insanely large gallery detailing every feature of this technologically advanced line. Then, when you're finished, browse our exclusive BMW listings to find a dealer near you, and prepare to order your 7 Series model as soon as it is available.BMW Listings Gallery (Source: YouTube, BMW) See More BMW News

By Edward Jones – June 03, 2015

The New 2016 BMW X1

With more than 61,974 units of the X1 being sold in the United States to date, it's no doubt that this model is highly successful. To capitalize on its success, BMW has revamped the small SUV for the 2016 model year.While it may not look like the car has undergone an overhaul, trust me when I say it has. The new updates to the model were detailed in a press release issued today by BMW.The biggest change made to the car is that the rear-wheel-drive platform of the outgoing X1 has been replaced with architecture shared with the mini for the 2016 model. The position of the front/transverse-mounted four-cylinder engine allows for more cabin and cargo room. Below are the specific increased measurements. + 1-inch in possible front seat height + 2-inches in possible rear seat height + 1.5-inches in rear legroom +2.6-inches in rear legroom with option adjustable rear seat To top off the increased increments, the ride height of the X1 has been increased by 1.7 inches.At launch, the 2016 X1 xDrive28i will be available with an all-new 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo. This engine produces 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds.The new 2016 BMW X1 will be available in US showrooms fall of this year. Be sure to check your local BMW dealership for availability.BMW X1s For SaleGallery (Source: BMW) Click Here For More BMW News

By Caitlin Duffy – May 29, 2015

BMW Z4 in Estoril Blue

Summer is a time for refreshing a look and finding a new take on something old, and this stands true for people and automakers alike.BMW announced a wide range of updates coming for their models during the summer of 2015 on May 12, including a new paint option for the Z4 Roadster: Estoril Blue. A stunning metallic color that nearly matches the blue of a midsummer sky over a range's highest mountain, it's a color that strongly compliments the car's natural curves.(See Also: BMW Art Cars Celebrate 40 Years)A full gallery of images showing off the Z4's new paint were released by the marque today, giving us a better look at this new shade. Check it out in the gallery below, then browse our exclusive listings of Z4s for sale to see this model in some other shades, in case those better match your revamped look for 2015.Z4 Listings For Sale Gallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News

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