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 Andrew Nabors – May 25, 2017

The 2018 BMW M4 GT4 Is Ready To Race

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

By Andrew Nabors – May 18, 2017

BMW 760Li Goes for Top Speed on the Autobahn

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

By Edward Jones – May 08, 2017

Why Oil Spills are Bad: BMW Crashes Hard on Nurburgring

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

By Andrew Nabors – March 18, 2017

Reviewed: 2017 BMW X5

German SUVs are popular among active adults because of build quality and style. The X series from BMW has been a runaway success for the brand, but many are shocked to learn its origins. Since it launched in 1999, the BMW X5 has been built in Greer, South Carolina. The drivetrain may be Deutsch, but the body and many ancillaries are made in the USA. Our Publisher had a 2012 X5M for a daily driver, and I can attest to its rugged suspension and twin turbo V8 power. A new chassis is coming next year, so they allowed us to spend a week with a new version of an old friend. The 3rd generation X5 launched in late 2013 for the '14 model year. Standard equipment is the venerable TwinPower 3.0 liter straight six. If you can't have fun with 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque you should seek treatment because it's a great engine. And if you don't need the wild power and aggression of the X5M, the mid-level option is the 4.4-liter twin turbo V8. The first mass produced reverse flow V8, the exhaust ports are aimed to the V of the engine. This mounts the turbos inside the V for instant response. Engineers even went so far as tuning each exhaust pulse into the turbine housing.Cruising around Florida's west coast you will have no shortage of SUVs to congest the roads. So your ace in the hole is 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Only available in xDrive AWD, the X5 sends power exactly where needed. Blistering launches are accompanied by a strange exhaust note from the reverse flow engine. Body roll is well-subdued thanks to stiff sway bars and Teutonic springs. With performance equivalent to the X5M of the previous generation, you will have ample torque in any situation.Inside the layout is unmistakably BMW. Even blindfolded, most Bimmer enthusiasts would quickly locate the shifter and control stalks. The best feature on wet roads is brake drying. Water sensors mounted down low tell the ABS module to keep slight pressure on the brake pads. They have a slight grip on the rotor which generates enough heat to keep them dry. It also means an instant pedal response in wet weather driving. An 8-speed automatic is the only transmission, and we feel that an engine of this power level doesn't need such complexity. Not to say its unsuited, it seems to be ever-shifting up and down in the name of fuel mileage.Built for a global market, the X5 is not as wide as our domestic models, but that makes it easier to maneuver in urban settings. Visibility is best in class and the seating position is ideal. Curb weight is just over 5,000 lbs so it has a plush ride on the highway. Fuel mileage in city driving is only 15 mpg because the turbos come alive almost instantly. It was a fun week and we would consider this American built BMW before many domestic offerings. It would be nice to see a low range in the transfer case, but for $72,300 you will have a comfortable and capable ride with plenty of room. We patiently await the fourth generation, so stay with us for updates on the latest from BMW.Luxury SUVs For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 16, 2017

BMW and LEGO Create Insane Hover Bike Concept

It doesn't matter how old you are, building LEGO sets will always be fun. Take it from me and my multiple car sets resting on my desk right now. It's therapeutic and nostalgic to take a lump of bricks and turn it into a creation that either you thought of or instructions helped you create. And while I may have built some pretty awesome LEGO creations over the years, I've never had one turned into a full-size replica. This is why the BMW Hover Ride Design Concept is so special.The LEGO Technic BMW R 1200 GS Adventure is a fantastic model kit, but the designers at LEGO Technic and BMW decided to take it a step further. To provide an alternative build for this kit, as is common for the 2-in-1 kits. In the end, they created the Hover Ride Design Concept.“It was a great idea and a superb creative challenge to develop a fictitious model from the parts of the LEGO Technic BMW R 1200 GS Adventure set. Our concept not only incorporates the BMW Motorrad design DNA with typical elements such as the boxer engine and the characteristic GS silhouette, it also draws on the LEGO Technic stylistic idiom,” says Alexander Buckan, Head of BMW Motorrad Vehicle Design.Sure, the kit is neat and all, but what's really great is that the two companies decided to make a full-size replica out of the Hover Ride Design Concept. BMW had their second to fourth-year trainees use actual production parts used for the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure to create the life-size replica. This even includes a front-wheel rim that was modified to form a propeller.BMW For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 03, 2017

BMW Unveils i8 Protonic Frozen Editions

Protons are located in the nucleus of almost every atom, so they like to be the center of attention. To be formally released at the Geneva Auto Show, the Protonic Frozen Black Edition will arrive in matte black with glossy accents. BMW has offered frozen finishes through the Individual program for several years producing the best matte finish in the industry. The graceful curves of the i8 are made possible by a body of carbon fiber. It will be visible for miles when covered in Protonic Frozen Yellow.If you have not experienced the i8, its nothing short of amazing. With an electric range of 15 miles, you will have 76 MPGe at your disposal. Efficiency doesn't diminish the BMWs performance, as 420 lb-ft of torque and 357 hp make for incredible acceleration. It comes with a home charger that is capable of 240v or 120v operation. The gas engine is a 1.5 liter inline three cylinder with a single turbo. A futuristic cockpit is very low, but being close to the center of gravity and the yaw axis makes cornering very fun. Take a look at these new color options and let us know what you think in the comments below.All BMW i8 For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 21, 2016

BMW 1M Coupe with V10 Engine Swap Rips Apart Tires

BMW fans have all found themselves looking online to see where they could buy a 1M. Unfortunately, these cars are hard as heck to find in the United States, and instead the 128i's are picked up in place of the 1M.However, one owner of a 1M decided the car needed more power and did something crazy: dropped a big engine in the car. The engine used was BMW's S85 5.0-liter V10 engine pulled from an M5 E60. That means this littler two door car was housing 550 horsepower, making it one of the most exciting 1-Series I've ever seen.NM3355 was on hand while the car was drifting around a track and absolutely destroying its tires. Check out the video below to see just how intense this little car is. And also be sure to let us know what your dream engine swap would be in the comments below!All BMW 1-Series For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 08, 2016

Is the BMW M240i Actually Faster than the M2?

At the dealership, there are two main differences between the BMW M2 and M240i: price. The starting MSRP for the M240i is set at $44,450, while the M2 has a starting MSRP of $51,700. But, does the $7,250 difference in price translate to a faster drive? AutoTopNL set out to find the answer to this question.(Related - Who Wins? Porsche 718 Cayman S vs BMW M2)Underneath the hood of the M2 is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that's capable of 365 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds.As for the M240i, it also has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, but its power is rated at 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, and has a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds.While the M2 has more horsepower, the M240i has a high torque rating. Along with this, the M2 can sprint from 0-60 mph 0.3 seconds quicker. But what about the top end of each of these cars? Honestly, the video below was pretty surprising. Check it out to see how they performed when unleashed on the autobahn.All BMW For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 13, 2016

Justice Quickly Served to Impatient BMW Driver

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

By Edward Jones – June 03, 2016

BMW SUV Climbs Stairs, Proves Its Worth

There are many people out in the world that would think BMW just makes sports cars or luxury sedans. But the German automaker planned to prove everyone wrong with their X Series SUVs. Unfortunately, many people are still on edge on whether or not these SUVs are capable off of the road. Having driven many iterations of the X Series SUVs, I can easily say that they are quite capable all around.For those who are still on edge about the BMW SUVs, I'm here to present you with a video of one proving its worth. Somewhere not in America, presumably Europe or Russia, a BMW X Series decided to go off of the beaten path and make its own path... up multiple flights of stairs. First, I'll say do not try this on your own and always stick to the legal roads. Secondly, this video, at the very least, shows that the German SUV can handle pretty difficult terrains.Check it out below and if you want your own BMW SUV, you can view all of the ones we have for sale by clicking the button below.BMW X5s For Sale

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