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 – May 26, 2015

BMW Art Cars Celebrate 40 Years

Art in the context of the automobile is more than just making a car look good. It is only through a full understanding of spatial reasoning, the movement of lines and the beauty of pure symmetry to create a car both powerful and beautiful capable of standing out against the test of time, and BMW has long understood that connection.But that's not to say a mechanically beautiful and artistic car can't add a little flare. For 40 years, the world's top artists have contributed to the marque's race teams through adding their unique touch to the exterior, creating the BMW Art Cars as we know them today. The first to do so was Alexander Calder in 1975, and as a press release issued by BMW today tells us, it was at the request of Calder's friend and French racing driver Hervé Poulain. On Dec. 22, 2014, we shared a video of Poulain describing this request, and looking at the growth of the program since. Since Calder first painted his, the likes of Frank Stella, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Jeff Koons and Jenny Holzer have all contributed their own touch to a different BMW race car, and in honor of 40 years of what have been dubbed "rolling sculptures," a series of shows around the world are providing enthusiasts with the opportunity to see them in person. (See Also: BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage Unveiled at Villa d'Este)While a few of the Art Cars remain permanently on display at BMW's headquarters, the rest are making their way across the globe, "to art fairs in Los Angeles, London and Hong Kong, as well as exhibitions at the Louvre, the Guggenheim and the Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai," as the release describes.BMW is also hoping to involve the enthusiast community in bringing the Art Cars to the world of social media by sharing a story about "what the 'art car' means to them" using the hashtag #BMWArtCar.Send out your tweet with your own story, then find yourself the perfect BMW for your favorite artist to enhance from our exclusive listings of BMWs for sale.BMWs For SaleGallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News

By Edward Jones – May 22, 2015

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage Unveiled at Villa d'Este

We've been waiting weeks for the official unveiling of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage concept, but today the wait is over. In a press release issued online, and at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, the new concept paying homage to the original BMW Coupe from the 1970s was unveiled.With this new design, BMW took everything that made the original car iconic and put a modern flare on it. This can easily be seen in the kidney grille, rear wing, front air intakes, elongated front end, its roofline that has been divided into three sections and the exterior finish of Golf Yellow.And, just like the original 3.0 CSL, this concept is extremely light. However, unlike the original, this version's low weight is thanks to the application of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic.“Our Hommage cars not only demonstrate how proud we are of our heritage, but also how important the past can be in determining our future,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design, in the press release.Everything about the 3.0 CSL Hommage concept harks back to what CSL stands for, “Coupé Sport Leichtbau” (coupé, sport, lightweight).BMWs For SaleGallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News

By Andrew Nabors – May 21, 2015

BMW 435i ZHP Coupe Introduced

The 4 Series has been a runaway hit since it arrived on our shores, but since the launch of the M4, a sizable gap in price and performance has existed between it and its little brother, the 435i. To fill in the gap, BMW has resurrected the ZHP package, as a May 20 press release tells us. First introduced on the E46 M3, this package provides quicker steering and firmer suspension with improved aerodynamics and engine performance.Starting where it counts most, the engine’s software in the new 435i is revised, which allows the turbo to offer more boost pressure. The exhaust is also less restrictive for a combined gain of 35 hp and 32 lb-ft. A locking differential and four piston brakes are bolted to 18” M Sport wheels. 435i Coupe ZHP EditionActive M Suspension controls variable shocks and also offers more steering feedback at speed. An M Performance Aerodynamics Package adds carbon reinforced plastic front and rear spoilers, as well as a rear diffuser. 435i Coupe ZHP EditionWith the 3.0-liter inline-six engine making 335 hp and 332 lb-ft with the automatic transmission, it will be a well rounded and sporty coupe. It's not quite enough to overpower the car, but still fun enough for spirited driving. Only 100 examples will be produced, and colors are limited to Alpine White or Black Sapphire Metallic.(See Also: First BMW Art Journey Winner Announced) Take a moment to check out this new generation in the gallery below, and if this model isn't quite for you, browse our exclusive listings of BMWs for sale, and find its big brother or another relative for your collection. As always, stay tuned to Autofluence for more BMW news.BMWs For SaleGallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News

By Caitlin Duffy – May 21, 2015

First BMW Art Journey Winner Announced

BMW has long supported the artistic community outside of automotive design, and their 1975 BMW Art Cars for Le Mans introduction wasn't the first example of this love for aesthetic beauty and the ability to make a unique impression.Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Frank Stella, Alexander Calder and more all contributed their touch to a different vehicle, but the art of the past loses its power if it also becomes the art of the present. In order to make room for more art in today's world, BMW and Art Basel, the world-renowned event that occurs once each in Basel, Hong Kong and Miami every year, are paving the way for creative processes to function. Signal Path II: Sinister Resonance by Samson YoungYoung's end project will be a multi-layered, multi-media creation to include "an archive of bell recordings, a series of 'bell sound sketches,' a set of new bronze bells, and an original musical composition for bell-ringers and orchestra."June 16 will be the unveiling of his final creation at Art Basel in Basel. The next artist to participate in this program will be selected from December's Art Basel Miami event. Artists interested in learning how they can become a contender for this opportunity should visit www.bmw-art-journey.com to learn more.(See Also: BMW M6 Series Receives New Competition Package)BMW can also support your artistic journey simply by providing the means of conveyance to whatever inspires you. Take a look at our exclusive listings of BMWs for sale, and find the perfect companion for your creative process.BMWs For Sale Gallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News

By Caitlin Duffy – May 18, 2015

BMW M6 Series Receives New Competition Package

The already-powerful M6 series from BMW is preparing to receive an even more potent upgrade in the form of the latest Competition Package from BMW M GmbH. Unveiled in a press release May 16, this new package has introduced the best ever performance on a 0-124 mph run for the M6 Coupe, reaching that speed in a scant 11.8 secondsScheduled to officially replace the old package in July, the new Competition Package was developed with a focus specifically on "increasing driving dynamics," as the release states. The M6 Coupe, M6 Gran Coupe and M6 Convertible all have their 4.4-liter V8 engine boosted to create an additional 40 hp and 15 lb-ft, bringing their performance metrics up to 600 hp and 516 lb-ft.Though speed is electronically limited to a maximum of 155 mph in most of the vehicles featuring this package, the decision to include the optional M Driver's package can bump that limit to 189 mph, making each model even more perfect for a day at the track.(See Also: BMW M6 GT3 Introduced at Nurburgring)For external additions, new 20-inch M light-alloy wheels and black chrome twin tailpipes make subtle but significant statements. Take a moment to flip through the gallery below to see the latest updates for the M6 models, then take a moment to browse our BMW listings and find the perfect match for your collection.View All BMW ListingsGallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News

By Edward Jones – May 13, 2015

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept Coming Soon

Coming May 22, BMW Group will be unveiling the new BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage concept car to the public at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. What is this new concept?See More Concept CarsAccording to a press release issued today, this model is a tribute to the BMW 3.0 CSL, a Coupe model from the 1970s. While we only get a teaser for right now, BMW did explain the design and styling of the concept in the press release. The original 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL (Source: BMW)Its body is home to "striking" air deflectors, large wheel arches and a roof and rear spoiler. As for its construction, it features extensive use of carbon fiber in the lower section highlights.(Related: BMW Performance Updates for Summer 2015)The press release does not go into details about its interior, but does state, "All the elements in the cabin are absolutely essential and each constituent has a high-quality structural or driving-related function. In its materials and detail solutions, the Hommage displays technical supremacy and formal sophistication. Like the interior as a whole, it reflects the special character of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage, embodying as it does a consummate combination of lightweight design, sportiness and elegance."Be sure to check back on May 22 for the official unveiling of the new BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage concept.BMWs For Sale (Source: BMW)

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

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