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 Jordan Aquistapace – December 14, 2021

LEGO Technic Announces The New BMW M1000RR Build Set

Developed in sports racing and perfected for the road, the BMW M 1000 RR has captured the hearts of motorsport and motorcycle fans. Since its initial release, the BMW M1000RR continues to grow in popularity as the German motorcycle manufacturer’s most powerful superbike in its fleet. While chassis are limited and the prices increase, the creative team at LEGO is teaming up with BMW Motorrad to create a buildable small-scale example for collectors and enthusiasts to enjoy. The all-new LEGO Technic BMW M1000RR displays itself as an accurate 1:5 scale model with 1,920-pieces to complete the set. The set includes factory-style graphics and parts to enhance the experience of creating your own superbike, while displaying it proudly on a stand that includes specs of the BMW M1000RR. MUST-READ: The Top Automotive-Inspired LEGO Sets Available Now Along with the look and feel factors, LEGO took its design further with a functional 3-speed (+ neutral) gearbox, steering, front and rear suspension, chain transmission, and inline 4-piston engine. The LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR is part of a collection of LEGO builds for adults. Celebrating some of the world’s best-loved vehicles, these building sets for adults offer an insight into engineering combined with a relaxing building project. The new LEGO Technic BMW M1000RR is set to release on January 1st for $229. Prep the New Year release from LEGO x BMW Motorrad by clicking the link below for more information. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Learn More Source: LEGO

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 08, 2021

BMW x Joshua Vides Unveil The Artistic X4 M Competition &...

Dynamism emphasized thanks to Joshua Vides’ unmistakable style, the hand-painted BMW X4 M Competition x Joshua Vides. After much anticipation, BMW is proud to announce the newest collaboration project featuring visual artist Joshua Vides. The blank canvas displaying Joshua’s iconic black and white design is the performance-packed BMW X4 M Competition. The BMW X4 M Competition is one of the German auto manufacturer’s super-SUV, featuring a 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged 6-Cylinder that makes an astonishing 503-horsepower. The hand-painted design from Joshua Vides takes on a racing livery-style design that creates an aesthetically pleasing sense of depth to the traditional white paint scheme. The special project between BMW x Joshua Vides is part of the “Drive Slow Homie” series of work surrounding the intimate connection between mankind and machine. The BMW x Joshua Vides X4 M Competition will be on display at The Grove in Los Angeles for all of October opening this Friday at 9 am PST. MUST-READ: BMW Teases A New Upcoming Collaboration With Artist Joshua Vides Alongside the one-of-a-kind BMW X4 M Competition, BMW x Joshua Vides is proud to announce the release of its apparel and accessories collection. The collection includes sweatshirts, t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, hats, stickers, and accessories sporting BMW branded logos with the Joshua Vides artistic touch. The collection is set to release tonight at midnight, with the first 50 online and in-person orders receiving a complimentary gift from Joshua Vides himself. The collection is also available in-person at Matte Black Coffee in Los Angles, which will become the official BMW Cafe for the month of October. Shop the new collection release from BMW x Joshua Vides by visiting joshuavides.com at midnight. View all current BMW X4 M for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All BMW X4 M For Sale @joshuavides Media/Info Source: @joshuavides @bmw

By Edward Jones – December 10, 2020

New BMW Steering Wheel Works for Simulators and a Real Ra...

BMW has just announced a new and innovative steering wheel that I hope catches on. This new steering wheel, which was designed for the new M4 GT3 race car in partnership with Fanatec, can be used in both the real-life car and simulators. Yes, an owner of the new M4 GT3 race car can pop their wheel off of the steering column and connect it to a compatible racing simulator. That's an incredible innovation that will help drivers hone their skills behind the flagship race car of the BMW M Customer Racing range. Instead of having to settle for a different wheel when on a simulator, these drivers can keep their hands on the steering wheel of the car that they practicing to win in. A price has not been announced as of yet, but I can assume that it will cost well above any standard simulator steering wheel. Shop Racing Simulator Gear

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 06, 2020

Watch BMW Take To The Sky With An All New Electrified Win...

The BMW I-Division is responsible for incorporating the latest design and technological advancements into vehicles to help launch the automobile industry into the future of zero-emission road travel. The German auto manufacturer recently unveiled a project with Peter Salzmann, an Austrian with a passion for leaping from great heights. The partnership recently released more information on the process of creating the first-ever Electrified Wingsuit. Peter enlisted the help from the BMW I-Division on engineering a motor that would allow for a longer time in the sky. They took the technology used on the BMW iX3, the first-ever fully electric SAV, and applied it to the personal flight device. The result was a successful helicopter launch from 10,000 feet, which left Peter soaring through the sky until 3,000 feet before deploying the parachute. The long-awaited testing was put on hold with the global pandemic affecting all corners of the world. The Electrified Wingsuit by BMW and Peter Salzmann is yet another milestone achieved for the automotive industry. Watch Peter in action with the electrified wingsuit by clicking the link below. Learn More " width="680">

By Edward Jones – June 24, 2020

BMW Digital Key Coming to the iPhone

iPhone users will soon be able to unlock their BMW through their phones. This news comes after it was announced at the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference that BMW will be the first carmaker to allow customers to turn their iPhone into a key. This new integration will allow customers to unlock their car with a simple tap. They can then place the phone in the smartphone tray, hit the start button and get to driving. Users will also be able to share the digital key with up to five different friends. The installation of the BMW Digital Key will be accomplished through the BMW Smartphone App. BMW also notes that there will be Apple Watch integration and there will be a special power reserve for the iPhone where car keys will function for up to five after hours the phone powers off due to low power. Models that will be compatible include the models in the following ranges: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, X5, X6, X7, X5M, X6M and Z4 if manufactured after July 1st 2020. As for the iPhones that can use the Digital Key, that will be any that's iPhone XR, iPhone XS or newer. A release date for this feature has not been announced as of yet. See All BMWs for Sale

By Edward Jones – March 17, 2020

New BMW Bikes by 3T Announced

BMW and Italian bike manufacturer 3T have just announced a new collaboration that will undoubtedy bring a new collection of beautiful bikes into the world. For now, they're starting with the stunning 3Tfor BMW model, which is designed on the Exmploro all-road bike. “3T was a natural choice for us, as 3T’s Exploro model is the best gravel bike available combining performance, luxury and cycling pleasure to our customers”, says Gaston Streiger, Head of BMW Lifestyle division. So what makes this bike special? A lot. For starters, there's the world's lightest carbon aero cranks and the carbon frame. For a seat, they with with an exclusive Brooks leather saddle with matching grips. The fulcrum alloy wheels are shod in Schwalbe One Speed tires. Then there are the gears, w hich are actually the innovative Shimano GRX groupset. There will be two different colors, grey/grey and grey/blue. Each come with a price tag of $5,499 and they can be purchased at select BMW dealers and 3T Experience Centers. See All BMWs For Sale

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