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 Caitlin Duffy – May 12, 2015

BMW Performance Updates for Summer 2015

A slew of new developments in both performance and technology will be making their way into the majority of BMW's core models over this summer, meaning it's time to start looking at your trade-in value and prepare for a newer, faster, leaner machine.A press release issued by the marque today announced the upgrades for the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series and 5 Series, with special additions for the Z4, X5 and M235i xDrive Convertible. The changes range from the availability of new paint colors, to the optimized efficiency of new three- and four-cylinder engines.Available beginning in July, the 1 Series will feature a new three-cylinder engine. While it may only produce 136 hp, its gas mileage is an extraordinary 54 miles per gallon. The 2 Series Coupe and Convertible will both have a new four-cylinder diesel engine available, meaning there will now be seven engine options for these models, four of which use gas and three that use diesel. The M235i xDrive Convertible will see the first use of intelligent four-wheel-drive tech in a compact convertible sports car.A new four-cylinder engine features TwinPower Turbo technology for the 3 Series Gran Turismo, 4 Series Convertible, 4 Series Gran Coupe and X5.In terms of new exterior options, Champagne Quartz metallic and Smokey Topaz metallic are now paint options for the 4 Series and M4. The Z4 Roadster will have Estoril Blue metallic available this July as well. Set for introduction in the near future is a Tanzanite Blue metallic paint for the 5 Series Sedan and Gran Turismo.(See Also: Secret Classic BMW Collection Uncovered)Be sure to take a trip to your nearest BMW dealership to pick your perfect BMW featuring these new options, or take a moment to browse our exclusive listings below to find something a little different. As always, stay with us for more updates from the automotive world.View All BMWs For SaleGallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News

By Andrew Nabors – May 08, 2015

Secret Classic BMW Collection Uncovered

Everyone knows at least one person who is obsessed over the E30 M3. Their iconic lines and nimble platform seem to transform normal citizens into BMW addicts, and here is a prime example. In a video uploaded to their YouTube page Friday May 8th, BMW introduced us to an anonymous classic BMW collector whose rags to riches story will leave you smiling.(Related: Last New 2015 BMW M5 “30 Jahre M5″ For Sale)In a retrospective interview, he says it was the E30 M3 that sparked his interest in the brand. For a man that was homeless at 17, he has done quite well for himself. The collection ranges from 1960 to 1988 model years and includes #1 of only two hand-built 700 RS models that won races with Hans Stuck at the wheel.With 45 cars completed and many more in the process, his secondary passion is finding the rare NOS parts needed to keep these beauties road-worthy. Known simply as “The Collector”, other videos focusing on his cars can be found on YouTube. While we love his collection, his request for privacy is understandable.Thank you Mr. Collector for driving these classics and not allowing them to collect dust in a museum.Stay tuned to Autofluence for more BMW news and videos.BMWs For Sale(Source: YouTube)

By Caitlin Duffy – May 06, 2015

Last New 2015 BMW M5 "30 Jahre M5" For Sale

There have been many times in the past where we have offered a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history, but each time a new chance presents itself, we are still just as excited to share it as if it were the first.One such opportunity exists now. One of 300 created, one of 30 imported to this country, one of two ever listed on our website and the only brand new example left in the world.In Hollywood, California, is this stunning and impossibly powerful 2015 BMW M5 "30 Jahre M5," the 30th anniversary edition of the M5 and the most powerful car from BMW at the time of its release. This particular example has never been titled, meaning you will be the first owner of this rare edition should you choose to act.Plastic coverings still cover certain features of the stunning interior, which is adorned with black Alcantara and full Merino leather. Sound is provided by a Bang & Olufsen system, while the headliner features a dark suede finish, crafting a dark but warm environment filled with "30 Jahre M5" badging. The exterior boasts Frozen Silver Metallic paint and the iconic M5 badge on the front grille and rear.Of course, the untapped power of this new engine is the largest draw. Its 4.4-liter V8 with M TwinPower Turbo tech creates 600 hp and 516 lb-ft, pushing it from a standstill to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds.To give you an idea of the value of this rare vehicle, the final example imported to the United States reportedly sold for $700,000 at Barrett Jackson Scottsdale on Jan. 15. How much does our brand new example cost? Click the button below to visit this listing and find out.See Price & Listing Gallery

By Edward Jones – April 14, 2015

Marshall Goldman's Collection of Rare BMW Z8 Alpinas

BMW started production of the Z8 in 1999 and, it was an immediate hit due to its radical styling and limited production numbers. The idea behind the car was to create a new and unique model that celebrated the ever-popular 507 of the 1950s. When production of the Z8 ended in 2002, BMW introduced a new take on the car: the Alpina V8 Roadster. View PriceThis new model left behind the six-speed manual and 4.9-liter of its predecessor and, instead, opted for a five-speed BMW Steptronic transmission and a 4.6-liter V8 engine from the Alpina E39 B10 V8 S. This lead to a drop in power from 400 hp down to 375, but peak torque was increased from 370 lb-ft to 383 lb-ft. View PriceOnly 555 examples of the Z8 Alpina V8 Roadster were created, with 450 of them made for the U.S. market. There is no question that this car was, and is, rare.One dealership that noticed the Z8 Alpina's rarity and value is Marshall Goldman Motor Sales of Warrensville, Ohio. Currently, they have five Z8 Alpinas listed on duPontREGISTRY.com and one Z8. View Price"We were lucky to have the opportunity to get these vehicles in stock," said Harlan Goldman of Marshall Goldman. "These cars are more limited than most Italian supercars and are very unique." View PriceIf you are planning on picking one up, it's better to act now as opposed to waiting. "The Z8 is only increasing in value right now, just like other automotive markets at the moment," Goldman added. And, he is very correct in that statement. When the car was released, it had an MSRP of around $130,000. Now, they are selling for almost three times that amount. View PriceEach one of their Z8 Alpinas in stock has low mileage that doesn't even touch 10,000 miles, with some even in the 2,000s. They have examples finished in both Jet Black and Titanium Silver Metallic with varying interiors.To see their stock, be sure to click one of the buttons above or see their entire inventory by clicking the button below.View Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – July 14, 2014

1981 BMW M1 for Sale for $499,900

In the late 1970s, BMW had a problem. They wanted to compete on the world stage with a rear engine supercar, but they had no history of building cars of that type. Initially, Lamborghini was chosen to develop the prototypes and production cars while BMW would supply the drivetrain. Design and engineering company Italdesign Giugiaro was commissioned to create an aggressive, low-slung body taking major influences from the 1972 Turbo E25 concept car.For power, the racing version of the straight-6 from the CSL was enlarged to 3.5L and fitted with dual overhead cams and mechanical fuel injection. Developing 273 hp in 1978 was incredible, considering other sports cars of the era were less endowed. Individual throttle bodies were utilized to provide instant power off-idle. Engineering company ZF Group provided an indestructible 5-speed transaxle, which has since become the Holy Grail for rear-engine car builders. Lamborghini was supposed to handle all production, but they were in bad financial shape at the time. This forced BMW to bring the project back in-house after only seven cars had been produced.(See also: McLaren “Project 8″ 12Cs for Sale at McLaren Newport Beach) Lacking expertise in mass producing rear-engine sports cars, the body was hand-built from fiberglass by Italdesign Giugiaro before being shipped to Stuttgart for a powertrain, and then on to BMW in Munich for final assembly. With production taking place at three separate plants, delays and cost overruns plagued the project and it was canceled after only 453 cars were completed.This car is #348 and has been in a private collection in Japan for the past 30 years. With only 7980 miles, it is practically brand new inside and out. Of the 453 produced, many went straight into racing and have been lost to history. Most were driven daily, and only a few original examples exist today.With straight six power, great aerodynamics and a menacing profile, the M1 is a must have for any BMW collector. Take advantage of your chance to own one today. Click the button below to see more photos and info. See More Cars for Sale

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