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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 Tyler Rampersaud – June 13, 2022

The New BMW M2 Undergoes Final Testing At Austria's Salzb...

The new BMW proves itself at a true proving ground. The new generation of the BMW M2 is coming soon, with the final phase of testing currently in progress. The new version of the car has already proven that it improves upon the current generation, with performance figures that compare to the current BMW M2 CS, with racetrack-ready performance on tap in a small, agile coupe. Coming available with both a 6-speed manual and 8-speed Steptronic transmission, the M2 also promises to remain a driver’s car in the BMW M spirit, with a brake system derived from the M3 and M4, and options like carbon bucket seats and a carbon roof. MUST READ: BMW Will Celebrate 50 Years Of M With Special Appearances At The Goodwood Festival Of Speed Being a racing-ready car, the racetrack proved the perfect place to test it and push it to its limits, which is why BMW took it to the Salzburgring in Austria to put it through its paces. BMW says that the final phase of testing is already in full swing and that the premiere of the M2, in time for BMW M’s 50th Anniversary celebrations will be in October of this year, with the market launch for the new BMW M2 slated for April 2023. View All BMW M2s For Sale Source: BMW

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 08, 2022

BMW Motorrad Debuts The R 18 Magnifica At Top Marques Monaco

The BMW motorcycle that boasts a classic hand-built design. The motorcycle professionals at BMW Motorrad not only specialize in building superbikes that crush lap times, but also modern examples that pay homage to the models that paved the way. For its most recent project, BMW Motorrad enlists help from owner of Office Riunite Milanesi Raffaello Polchi and Andrea Radaelli of Radikal Chopper. The two-wheel trio is proud to debut the all-new BMW R 18 Magnifica during the exclusive Top Marques show in Monaco. Known as the most exclusive supercar shows in the world, the Top Marques Monaco event is the perfect setting to introduce the one-of-a-kind BMW R 18. MUST-READ: BMW Debuts its New M Hybrid V8 For The 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Series The inspiration behind the Magnifica is vintage motorbikes from the 1920s-1930s, and more specifically, the BMW R 37. The modern reinterpretation is built from a BMW R 18 chassis and features an elegant gloss black finish with chrome highlights, beautifully showcasing its craftsmanship and attention to detail. Being hand-forged from premium materials, the BMW R 18 Magnifica features all hand-made parts with the exception of its billet and machined wheels from Radikal Choppers. The design even includes a set of innovative brake discs and calipers that were made special for the bike. The rear end presents a floating effect from the one-piece tail and seat, which operate on a single suspension to give the idea of floating in the air. While the motorcycle takes on a completely different appearance, the new parts remain to stock spec to ensure its functional bike that is perfectly serviceable. View all of the current BMW models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and motorcycle news. View All BMW Motorcycles For Sale Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 07, 2022

BMW Will Celebrate 50 Years Of M With Special Appearances...

This year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed will feature a unique intersection of celebrations in automotive history. The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an event with a long heritage, and to this day it remains one of the world’s most important automotive events. This year, the Goodwood Festival of Speed will feature even more automotive heritage as this year marks the 50th anniversary of BMW’s M division. To celebrate the occasion, BMW will be premiering the BMW M3 Touring for the first time globally at Goodwood, and the M4 CSL will make its UK debut at the event, with both completing the iconic hill course. Other models that will be making an appearance at the festival are the new iX1, i7, i4, and the iX M60. MUST READ: The New BMW X1 Introduces The First-Ever All-Electric BMW iX1 Along with other modern, future, and historic BMW M cars, like the M1, the E30 M3, and the iconic M3 CSL, that the new M4 CSL has succeeded. Throughout the weekend, the past, present, and future of BMW M will be at the forefront of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which is going to be held for 4 days between June 23 and 26. View All BMWs For Sale Source: BMW

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 06, 2022

BMW Debuts its New M Hybrid V8 For The 2023 IMSA WeatherT...

A new design from BMW that celebrates its legacy as a motorsport icon. Built off its dedication to the competitive world of motorsports, BMW continues to adapt to new styles of racing and performance with innovative vehicles that push boundaries. Endurance racing defines itself as a proving ground for automotive manufacturers, unveiling new aerodynamic body designs and high-tech engine platforms. BMW is excited to unveil its new BMW M Hybrid V8 design during testing for the LMDh prototype’s 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series. The camouflage livery, designed by BMW Group DesignWorks, incorporates the traditional colors of BMW M Motorsports. MUST-READ: BMW Updates Model Lineup With New Powertrains And Features For Summer 2022 The new body design features 50th Anniversary logos that celebrates iconic race chassis like the 1976 BMW 3.0 CSL, BMW M3 E36 GTS-2, and BMW Z4 GT LM. The attention-grabbing aspect of its new design is the pair of wide kidney grilles on the front bumper, which allows for appropriate aerodynamics and cooling at high speeds. Along with implementing historic design features, the BMW M Hybrid V8 also includes twin BMW icon lights, dynamic body side, Hofmeister kink window graphic, M ‘hook’ mirrors and tail-lights. Make sure to look out for the BMW M Hybrid V8 during the upcoming 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series. View all of the current BMW models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more luxury lifestyle releases and supercar news. View All BMW For Sale Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 01, 2022

The New BMW X1 Introduces The First-Ever All-Electric BMW...

BMW’s entry SUV gets a fresh new look and feel. The X1 is BMW’s premium compact SUV, and it proves that big things can come in small packages when it comes to luxury SUVs. While the new X1 will be launched with two gasoline and two diesel engines, it will soon be followed by the all-new BMW iX1, an all-electric version of the compact SUV, as well as two plug-in hybrid models and two 48-volt mild hybrids as well. Fresh yet unmistakable BMW styling characterizes the exterior, while the option to equip wheels from 17 to 20 inches and choose a Frozen paint finish from BMW Individual make the X1 unique and bold for its owner. MUST READ: 50 years of BMW M: The BMW Museum Is Marking The 50th Anniversary With A Special Exhibition The interior features BMW’s Curved Display, with the option of perforated Sensatec or leather upholstery, and other options like memory adjustment, lumbar support with massaging, and standard improvements to safety and comfort. Dual-zone climate control comes standard, along with a leather-wrapped Sport steering wheel and the BMW Maps navigation system. Driving the new BMW X1 will be as gratifying as it is comfortable, especially the all-electric iX1 xDrive30, with all-wheel-drive and 313 horsepower, along with 364 lb/ft of torque. Expect the 0-60 sprint to happen in a short 5.7 seconds. The new BMW X1 is a small SUV with big impact. View All BMW X1s For Sale Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 31, 2022

BMW Updates Model Lineup With New Powertrains And Feature...

This summer sees new updates coming across BMW’s lineup. Known for technology, performance, innovation, and simply for being the Ultimate Driving Machine, a BMW promises to be a car with the latest and greatest, and with the updates the brand is bringing to its lineup for summer 2022, it delivers. Infotainment, powertrains, and more option keep BMW’s lineup fresh and cutting-edge. From plug-in hybrids to the BMW Curved Display to the new BMW M440i Gran Coupé, BMW has plenty in store for the second half of this year. MUST READ: BMW Motorrad Debuts Its New Urban Collection The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will introduce two new plug-in hybrids and a diesel-powered model with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. For the 2 Series Coupe, a new 156-horsepower 2.0-liter 4 cylinder engine is added to the lineup, as well as a new M model, the M240i Coupe, which boasts 374 horsepower from its inline 6-cylinder engine. Along with this, the BMW Curved Display is standard on the 2 Series Coupe starting in July, updating the ever-important infotainment aspect of the car. A new 4 Series Gran Coupé adds an inline 6-cylinder diesel engine, as well as the new M440i Gran Coupé, which will be available, along with all M models in the BMW 4 Series, with a new M Sport Package Pro that changes the lights, seat belts, and adds a new braking system with red calipers. This new M Sport Package Pro is also available for the 5 Series and 6 Series Gran Turismo. Finally, the Curved Display is also coming to the M3 Sedan as standard equipment in the summer of 2022, with options for a Personal eSIM, Wireless Charging, and new cosmetic options. This summer, prepare for a BMW brand that has more tech, options, and style than ever. View All BMWs For Sale Source: BMW

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 26, 2022

50 years of BMW M: The BMW Museum Is Marking The 50th Ann...

All of BMW M's iconic brand history underneath one roof. The BMW M division shapes itself as the automotive manufacturer’s motorsport branch, incorporating track-inspired design, performance, and technology into road-legal vehicles for everyday use. BMW M is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a commemorative exhibition at the BMW Museum in Munich, Germany, featuring 26 special vehicles that make up 8 different rooms for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The new BMW M exhibition opened on 24 May 2022, marking the very day that BMW Motorsport GmbH was founded on 24 May 1972. It is dedicated to the hugely successful BMW M brand, which emerged from BMW Motorsport GmbH. MUST-READ: BMW Motorrad Debuts Its New Urban Collection Visitors can walk through the museum along a specially made BMW M Circuit race track, acting as a physical timeline that tells the story of its beginning more than half a century ago. The exhibit includes a stage set for the iconic BMW 3.0 CSL, the most successful touring race car in the early days of BMW Motorsports. While the past presents a behind-the-scenes look at the humble beginnings, BMW M highlights other successful examples like the BMW M1 and BMW M3 as well as design concepts, prototypes, BMW M classics, and winning racing cars such as the BMW V12 LMR. The BMW M 50th Anniversary also incorporates guided museum tours and workshops for the whole family of automotive enthusiasts, bringing the BMW M’s racing history to life. View all of the current BMW models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and BMW news. View All BMW For Sale Source: BMW

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 26, 2022

BMW Motorrad Debuts Its New Urban Collection

BMW adds fashionable storage accessories for roadtrips on two wheels. BMW Motorrad specializes in applying the same automotive values and performance to motorcycles, creating the ultimate riding experience for those looking to explore on two wheels. With a fleet of performance, off-road, and adventure platforms, BMW Motorrad prides itself on offering an extensive line of motorcycles for any type of riding. Making sure that you are well prepared for your next road trip, BMW Motorrad is happy to announce the launch of its new Urban Collection. MUST-READ: BMW Motorrad Celebrates 50 Years of M With An M 1000 RR Anniversary Model The Urban Collection features the perfect lifestyle solution when it comes to storing luggage and other travel necessities. The new generation of accessories includes tank bags, a backpack, side bags, and rear bags. All of the products are made of high-quality and easy-to-care-for materials, sporting modern designs that complement any one of BMW Motorrad’s models. The all-white theme is a choice that contrasts against the last Black Collection. View all of the current BMW motorcycles for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and BMW news. View All BMW Motorcycles For Sale Source: BMW Mottorad

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 24, 2022

The New BMW M3 and M4 BMW M 50 Jahre Editions Celebrate 5...

Half a century has gone by since one of the most iconic names in European performance was first established. BMW M started life on May 24, 1972, when the partnership agreement for BMW Motorsport GmbH was first signed. Exactly 50 years later, the brand’s two most iconic models, the M3 and M4, get a “BMW M 50 Jahre Edition” to celebrate the momentous anniversary. Different regions throughout the world will be receiving different limited editions of these models, with Europe and other selected regions getting the BMW M4 Coupe BMW M 50 Jahre Edition in Carbon Black, Macao Blue, Brands Hatch Grey, Imola Red, and San Marino Blue. MUST READ: The New BMW M4 CSL Continues An Incredible Track-Focused Legacy The Chinese market receives the BMW M4 BMW M 50 Jahre Edition in Fire Orange and Stratus Grey to celebrate the Year of the Tiger coinciding with the 50th anniversary of BMW M. In the United States and Canada will receive a BMW M3 Sedan BMW M 50 Jahre Edition, and production will be limited to 500 units, in the colors Cinnebar Red, Techno Violet, Interlagos Blue, Fire Orange, and Limerock Grey. In the interiors of all of the BMW M 50 Jahre Edition models, badging, lettering, and a plaque will designate the limited edition, and with the limited M3 models, the number out of 500 will be displayed as well. If any performance brand knows how to celebrate a 50th anniversary, it’s BMW M. Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 20, 2022

The New BMW M4 CSL Continues An Incredible Track-Focused ...

The track-focused legend of the BMW CSL returns. The CSL designation of BMW’s cars has represented a car for those dedicated to performance. CSLs decrease weight and increase power compared to the cars they are based on, and when you drive one, it’s clear that it is most at home on the track. This couldn’t be more true for the new BMW M4 CSL, which BMW says is more like its BMW M4 GT3 competition-spec counterpart than ever before, and embodies the “Competition, Sport, Lightweight” legacy in the greatest way yet. MUST-READ: BMW Motorrad Celebrates 50 Years of M With An M 1000 RR Anniversary Model With 543 horsepower, the M4 CSL gets an additional 40 horsepower compared to the standard M4, and 240 pounds were shaved off of the total weight of the car, bringing it down to 3,640 pounds. With those improvements, which include the removal of the rear seats, chassis upgrades, the inclusion of carbon fiber throughout, light-alloy wheels, and carbon-ceramic brakes, the BMW M4 CSL takes performance to a whole new level. The 0-60 time is only 3.6 seconds, and top speed is electronically limited to 191 mph. However, one of the most epic indicators of performance for a track-focused car like the BMW M4 CSL is its lap time on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit, which for the M4 CSL was 7:20.2, which is the fastest time that a series-production BMW has ever posted. If you want to get your hands on a new BMW M4 CSL, production will start in July 2022, and the base MSRP of the car is $139,000 plus a $995 destination charge. However, it isn’t quite that simple, as BMW is limiting the production of the new M4 CSL to 1,000 units worldwide, and they’re sure to sell fast. A car this powerful and iconic is sure to cause quite the stir. View All BMWs For Sale Source: BMW

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