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 Tyler Rampersaud – July 28, 2022

BMW and Tomorrowland Join Forces With A New Custom iX1 De...

BMW is helping make Tomorrowland’s return after a long time away even more special. After almost two years away, the Tomorrowland music festival has returned, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever. In an effort to deliver on this promise, BMW has forged a partnership with Tomorrowland that extends past the local stage and goes to the European level, and at the center of the partnership is BMW’s new all-electric SUV, the iX1. In June, Brussels Airport was home to BMW’s “Magical Forest of Joy,” where BMW and Tomorrowland celebrated Sustainability and the simple joy of music. MUST READ: The GearBox: An M3 Wagon Wardrobe At the festival, which kicked off on the 15th of July, the “Magical Forest of Joy” theme continued, this time with a custom BMW iX1 that boasts a bold wrap with a nature-themed print and “Messages of Joy” written all over it. This custom wrap was created in collaboration with Grammy-nominated producer, artist and designer Steve Aoki, who derived these Messages of Joy from a campaign BMW and Tomorrowland created where festival visitors shared messages with #UnitedInJoy. The car will be on display in the Magical Forest of Joy during the three weekends of the festival at Tomorrowland, and visitors will be able to visit the BMW stand where they can pose for pictures and videos with the all-new, all-electric BMW iX1. View All BMWs For Sale Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 28, 2022

The BMW i7 Uses New Soundscapes Made With Help From Hans ...

An Academy Award-winning composer is working with BMW to make sure the BMW i7 always has something to say. One of the most noticeable differences between gasoline and electric cars is the fact that electric cars lack engine noise. In luxury cars, this is an easy way to create a sumptuous and serene experience, but that quiet nature also serves as a blank canvas on which automakers can build new sound experiences that inspire drives in a way we’ve never seen before. BMW’s new all-electric i7 flagship luxury sedan takes advantage of this with its new IconicSounds Electric soundscapes, which combine with the incredible rear-seat 31-inch Theatre Screen in the car to create a whole new driving experience. MUST READ: BMW Becomes The Kentucky Derby’s First Official Luxury Automotive Partner Created in collaboration with Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer, the soundscapes work in conjunction with the natural noise that the car does make, and amplifies it or mutes it depending on your mood. With Sport, Expressive, and Relax modes available, your BMW i7’s soundtrack perfectly adapts to your mood to turn every drive into a beautiful and moving experience that all your senses can enjoy. Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 13, 2022

The New All-Electric BMW i7 Luxury Sedan Gets Revealed In...

The reveal of BMW’s new flagship sedan is bound to be shocking. BMW has announced that it will be releasing the i7, an all-electric rendition of the brand’s long-standing flagship luxury sedan that features all the luxury and iconic status of the 7 Series we have always known, with the new capabilities of an electric powertrain, including the most power that a 7 Series has ever seen. MUST READ: The New i7 Is BMW’s Electric Flagship Sedan With A 31-Inch Screen In The Back Other incredible features announced for the i7 include the Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof, and a 31-inch, 8K screen that comes down from the ceiling for the passengers in the rear seats, where cars like the 7 Series truly shine. The full reveal of the already-stunning i7 will be streamed live on bmwgroup.com, and it will take place in just a week, on the 20th of April at 2:00 PM CEST, where more details and a closer look at the future of BMW’s flagship luxury will be revealed. Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 18, 2022

The New i7 Is BMW's Electric Flagship Sedan With A 31-Inc...

With a 31 inch screen and more power than ever, the new 7 Series is BMW’s flagship sedan at its best. Coming in April, the new BMW i7 will be presented as a revolutionarily new, all-electric rendition of BMW’s flagship luxury sedan. With over 300 miles of range, and more power than the 7 Series has ever had before, the BMW i7 will be solid, irrefutable proof that electric powertrains are capable of providing the pinnacle of luxury driving experiences. MUST READ: Watch The Story Of The BMW M3 Touring, Starting With The E46 Concept The i7 transforms the 7 Series into a car that minimizes environmental impact without making any other compromises. The crystal glass in the lighting elements and illuminated grille showcase the level of excellence that the car possesses even before anyone steps inside. And once you do, the latest iDrive system allows driving dynamics and interior ambiance to be customized at a detailed level, and the BMW Curved Display on the instrument panel and doors provides unique, futuristic luxury along with the Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof. However, the best part, as with all luxury sedans like the 7 Series, is in the rear seats. The BMW Theatre Screen gives rear seat passengers the ultimate limousine experience, with a 31-inch screen capable of 8K streaming resolution, allowing a private, luxurious entertainment experience to be enjoyed by the i7’s rear seat occupants. Just when we thought the BMW 7 Series was as good as luxury driving gets, it got better. Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 02, 2022

BMW's New i4 and iX Get A Google Cloud AR Experience Ahea...

BMW’s driving full speed ahead into the future, and Google Cloud is along for the ride. The i4 and iX are BMW’s bold new foray into all-electric vehicles. With driving ranges that go up to over 300 miles for both models, and as much as over 500 horsepower for both as well, BMW has quickly proven how exciting, luxurious, and just how BMW an electric car can be. The futurism of electric cars, however, isn’t the only futurism that BMW wants to be a part of. MUST READ: The New BMW X5 xDrive30Li and XDrive40Li Are The Latest Long-Wheelbase China-Exclusive SUVs BMW is showing off the iX and the i4 in the futuristic way possible: with augmented reality. Google Cloud and BMW have teamed up to make an AR experience where you can place virtual models of the i4 and iX in real-world environments, and view them in exceptional detail. You’ll get to walk around the cars, change paint colors, turn the lights off and on, and open and close the doors. The detail level goes all the way down to being able to see the grain of the leathers and the patterns of the carbon fiber. The experience is available now on bmwusa.com, ahead of the launch of the iX and i4 this spring, where you can find a direct link to the experience through the Google app on iOS and Android. Source: BMW

By Edward Jones – June 02, 2021

First-Ever BMW iX Revealed as an All-Electric SAV

SAV stands for Sports Activity Vehicle. BMW has just unveiled the new iX xDrive50 for the United States as an all-electric SAV. This new model's electric powertrain is poised to produce 516 horsepower, with torque not being stated as of yet. This power is good enough for the iX xDrive50 to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds. Because we're talking about electric luxury cars, the two most important factors to many are range and charge time. As for range, BMW states that the iX has an estimated range of around 300 miles. When it comes to charging, 0 to 80 percent can happen in 40 minutes with a 200 kWh charger. With the standard charging rate of 11 kW, however, a recharge from 0 to 100 percent will take under 11 hours. The new BMW iX xDrive50 will come with a price of $82,300, not including the $995 destination fee and first deliveries are expect in the beginning of 2022. BMW also notes that a new and more powerful iX M60 model with over 600 hp is planned for the future. See All BMWs For Sale Source: BMW USA

By Andrew Nabors – March 11, 2020

BMW i8 Coupe & Convertible Discontinued

Hybrid and EV technology has come a long way in 6 years. That's why we're sad to announce that the BMW i8 coupe & convertible have been discontinued. It was their first plug-in hybrid and their first carbon fiber monocoque chassis. As it was their first attempt, the 11.6 kWh battery powered the front wheels while a 1.5L three-cylinder was mounted on the rear axle. With an electric range of 17 miles, it is perfect as a short distance daily driver. Weighing in at 3,500 lbs, it is a nimble and fun machine with a comfortable interior. It was the first car that downplayed its gas engine to only a generator for the front and rear hybrid motors, a concept that Koenigsegg has capitalized on. Their new Gemera uses a 2.0L three-cylinder to offer 1,700 horsepower and 2,581 lb-ft of torque. However, the BMW i8 won't break the bank, and the styling will influence the next generation of all-electric I-Series models. Get one while you still can by clicking the link below, and stay with us for all your BMW news. Browse BMW i8 For Sale " width="680"> Related: Brooklyn Beckham Meets BMW i8 Pace Car

By Edward Jones – January 02, 2020

BMW i8 Roadster LimeLight Edition Revealed

Alcantara and BMW Italy have teamed up to create a truly special version of the i8 Roadster. Called the i8 Roadster LimeLight Edition, this car has completely customized to be a one-off creation. Throughout the inside, Alcantara can be found on the seats, dashboard, door panels and steering wheel in black. Contrasting against the black materials are lime accents that match the exterior paint. There's also lime-colored stitching to hold it all together. If you've ever wanted an eye-catching BMW, this would be it but as we noted before, this is a one-off creation. SEE ALL BMW I8'S FOR SALE

By Andrew Nabors – May 23, 2019

Ferrari & BMW Win This Year's International Engine Awards

Yesterday the winners were announced for the 21st Annual Engine Of The Year. With several categories depending on size and power, Ferrari & BMW won this year's international engine awards. First up was the hybrid award, and after extensive testing the BMW i8 got the trophy. The 1.5L turbo only has three cylinders, but it delivers 220 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. It can power the rear wheels while also charging the hybrid system. Or it can send voltage directly to the front electric motor. One engine took home multiple wins, and we're not surprised. The Ferrari 3.9L V8 won engine of the year for the 4th consecutive year, and also the award for best performance engine. It is found in almost every model, from the Portofino, GTC4LussoT, and the 488 GTB, Spider, Pista, and the new F8 Tributo. It offers 710 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, and 568 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm. While it is great that Ferrari offers such performance, we are left wondering why cars like the Koenigsegg Regera, McLaren Senna and the Corvette ZR1 were not given an honorable mention. Tell us about your favorite engine in the comments below and stay with us for all your exotic car news. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale Related: Top Gear Explains McLaren's Mid Engined Supercars Hear the Loud Lamborghini V12 on Jay Leno's Garage

By Edward Jones – May 20, 2019

New BMW i8 Art Car by Thomas Scheibitz

BMW has a long history of art cars designed by famous artists. Now, the German automaker is highlighting an art car that is neither part of the BMW Art Car series or one that was commissioned by them. This specific BMW i8 art car was created by the famous painter and sculptor Thomas Scheibitz, who designed the it for his friend Bernd Heusinger. Scheibitz's notes that he believes sports cars as sculptures, blending both creativity and technology. His take on the automotive sculpture resulted in this beautiful i8 that was inspired by one of his small paintings from 2017. To create the imagery on the i8, this painting was scanned and certain parts were enlarged. Certain parts of the painting were chosen for specific parts of the car so the art flows with the lines of the body. It's truly a remarkable piece of art. Browse All BMWs For Sale

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