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 – April 03, 2024

BMW Hits The Gas On Growth, Electric Sales Shine In 2024

BMW kicks off 2024 with a sales bump and a bold electric leap. As the automotive industry rolls out of Q1 2024, many are reflecting on the successes and areas of improvement surrounding both ongoing vehicle manufacturers and future plans for enhancing mobility as a whole. With a strong position in the luxury car market, BMW of North America just reported promising Q1 2024 sales results for the U.S. The two main factors attributed to BMW's successful sales strategy are its four fully electric U.S. models and the overall increase in EV deliveries. BMW's first quarter in 2024 clocked in a solid 2.4% increase in U.S. sales with 84,475 vehicles driving off the lot, an uptick from last year's 82,466 units. Sebastian Mackensen, the top executive at BMW of North America, couldn't hide his enthusiasm, banking on the diversity and sheer quality of BMW's lineup to keep the brand ahead. Electric dreams are becoming a reality at BMW. The debut of the BMW i5 has electrified its lineup, joining forces with the i4, i7, and the iX to power a greener future. These electric marvels accounted for 12.7% of BMW's total sales in the U.S. during the first quarter. The plot thickens with BMW's plug-in hybrids with the BMW 550e on the horizon. View all BMWs for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All BMWs For Sale Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 14, 2024

BMW Group Celebrates Increased Global Deliveries In 2023

BMW Group celebrated global success this past financial year. Recently, BMW Group closed the chapter on its 2023 financial year, and looking back at its results, it's announced that there is lots to be proud of. Throughout the year, BMW Group managed to deliver 2,554,183 vehicles across the globe, a 6.4 percent increase over 2022, and 717,620 of those were delivered in the fourth quarter alone, an increase of over 10 percent compared to 2022’s number. This has translated to strong financial performance, as well, with EBT and EBIT increased over 2022’s number. Of the over 2.5 million vehicles BMW Group delivered over the past year, 375,716 of them were fully-electric, and 565,875 of them were electrified, marking an incredible 74.1 percent increase and 30.5 percent increase over 2022 respectively. The increase of deliveries for electric and electrified vehicles is one of the biggest highlights for BMW Group, which contributes towards its long-term goals of electrification, and as a result increasing environmental stability and reducing negative environmental impacts from its fleet. Throughout 2023, BMW Group decreased its European fleet’s CO2 emissions by 2.8 percent. At 102.1 grams per kilometer, it sits well below the European Union’s target figure of 128.5 grams per kilometer. With positive financial results, increased deliveries, and the dramatic increase of electric and electrified vehicles’ presence and contribution to the success within the BMW Group, as well as a significant stride made towards sustainability, the future is bright for the manufacturer. With a positive 2023 in the books, BMW looks forward to continuing on the same path this year. View All BMWs For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 11, 2024

BMW M Breaks Global Sales Record In 2023

When it comes to BMW, performance is more popular than ever. Recently, BMW’s performance-oriented M division celebrated its 50th anniversary, and throughout the celebration, new cars were introduced and BMW M previewed a bright future. That future is starting to come to fruition, with 2023 being a record sales year for BMW M, as over 200,000 BMW M vehicles were sold annually for the first time in its history. The total number is 202,530, and it includes new electric models, limited-production driver’s cars, and also an incredibly powerful record-breaking hybrid performance SUV. The past year has been incredibly successful, with models like the M variants of the i4, i5, and i7, the new M2, the M3 CS and M4 CSL, and the XM and XM Label adding fresh takes on M’s performance premise. However, there’s still more to come for 2024. BMW is set to reveal the new BMW M5, which will be available both as a sedan and as a Touring wagon body style. The i5 M60 xDrive Touring will also add an all-electric M wagon to the mix. Building off the success of the BMW M3 CS will the the introduction of the BMW M4 CS, as well. On the racing front, BMW seeks to bring the BMW M Hybrid V8 into the WEC in 2024, and what that means is that BMW has its sights set on taking it all at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. At Le Mans this year will also be the introduction of the 20th BMW Art Car, with one of the two BMW M Hybrid V8 race cars sporting a livery designed by Julie Mehretu inspired by the Art Car Collection. With a record-breaking 2023 in the books for BMW M, the goal is for 2024 to be even better. View All BMWs For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 04, 2024

BMW Breaks Annual US Sales Record In 2023

2023 saw success and evolution for BMW. 2023 is now behind us, and according to its sales results for the year in the US, BMW is looking back on it quite fondly. With a general increase in sales compared to the previous year, as well as the rapid expansion of its electrified efforts, 2023 marks the beginning of an exciting future for the iconic premium automotive manufacturer. Between its battery-electric vehicles and its electrified hybrids and plug-in hybrid models, BMW boasted a futuristic and successful, growing electrified lineup, with more to come in the future. In the US, BMW sold 362,244 cars, which is not only a 9 percent increase from 2022’s number of 332,388, but an all-time US sales record for BMW. In the fourth quarter of the year alone, the 107,881 vehicles sold represented a 6 percent increase compared to Q4 2022’s number of 101,738, as well. However, electrification stood out as a highlight when it comes to BMW’s success in 2023. Among BMW’s wide range of battery-electric vehicles: the i4, i5, i7, an iX, 14,374 BEVs were sold by BMW in the US in Q4 2023, a 65.4 percent increase compared to Q4 2022’s number of 8,689. Looking at the full-year perspective, and adding in hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, BMW sold a total of 70,735 electrified vehicles in 2023, which represented nearly 20 percent of its total-year sales. With innovation, performance, luxury, style, and electrification all mastered by BMW and its diverse lineup of models, 2023 was its greatest US sales year yet, and the future continues to look up. View All BMWs For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 17, 2023

BMW Teams Up with Tesla Supercharger Network For North Am...

In 2025, BMW Group EV drivers will be able to charge their cars on Tesla Superchargers. In a groundbreaking move that promises to reshape the electric vehicle (EV) charging landscape, BMW of North America has announced a partnership with Tesla to expand charging options for BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce electric vehicle drivers. Slated to go live in early 2025, this agreement will grant access to designated Tesla Supercharger stations in the United States and Canada. This strategic move comes as part of BMW’s ongoing commitment to provide convenient and efficient charging solutions for its burgeoning fleet of electric vehicles. Sebastian Mackensen, President & CEO of BMW of North America, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “With six fully electric BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce models now available in the U.S. market, and more to come, it is our top priority to ensure that our drivers have easy access to reliable, fast charging.” For consumers, this collaboration represents a major step forward in alleviating 'range anxiety,' a significant concern in the adoption of electric vehicles. Tesla's Supercharger network is renowned for its fast charging capabilities and extensive coverage, making it a choice partner for BMW in its electric venture. The joint effort extends beyond mere access to charging stations. Both companies will collaborate in the coming months to integrate software solutions that enable a seamless customer experience. BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce drivers will be able to locate and access available Superchargers directly through their vehicle’s display. Additionally, payments for charging services can be processed through the vehicle brand’s respective app, ensuring an integrated, hassle-free experience for users. In another forward-thinking move, BMW Group has also committed to adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for its battery electric vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, also starting in 2025. This demonstrates BMW's intent to standardize its charging infrastructure, making it more accessible for all EV users. This move is strategic, as it complements the company's previous recent announcement to develop a new charging network in North America, in collaboration with six other manufacturers. The new joint venture aims to establish at least 30,000 new chargers in metropolitan areas and along major highways. Notably, these chargers will be compatible with all battery electric vehicles that use either the CCS or NACS charging standards. This initiative is separate but complementary to the Tesla Supercharger partnership and showcases BMW’s holistic approach to solving the EV charging conundrum. BMW's alliance with Tesla’s Supercharger network is not just a milestone for both companies but also a significant boost for the electric vehicle industry in North America. Through enhanced charging infrastructure and cross-brand compatibility, BMW is positioning itself as a formidable player in the fast-evolving electric vehicle landscape. View All BMWs For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 10, 2023

BMW Group's Electric Vehicles Sales Surge In Q3 With A 79...

Fully-electric BMW and MINI lead the surge, with BEVs poised to account for 15% of 2023 total sales. BMW Group is steering into a green future, evidenced by its recent spike in electric vehicle sales, registering a remarkable 79.6% surge in their fully-electric BMW and MINI vehicle sales in Q3 compared to last year. The manufacturer's strategic focus on EVs is evident as BMW doubled its fully-electric deliveries in Q3, showcasing a 100.3% growth year-on-year. This momentum extends to its portfolio, with a total of 621,699 vehicles, including BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce, reaching customers in the same quarter, marking a 5.8% year-on-year uptick. Between January and September, the growth of overall sales climbed to 5.1%, translating to 1,836,563 vehicles. Additionally, BMW Group projects BEVs to make up a substantial 15% of its 2023 total vehicle sales. The third quarter featured 549,941 global deliveries under the BMW name, marking a 6.2% increase from the previous year. Its electric BMW i4 and upcoming BMW i5 stand out, proving their worth in the competitive EV market. BMW's high-performance segment, BMW M, also registered a 13.2% sales boost in Q3, driven by new additions like the BMW XM and the fully-electric BMW i7 M70. On the luxury front, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars saw 1,374 vehicles off the dealership floors in Q3, a decrease attributed to discontinuations and gearing up for the highly-anticipated Rolls-Royce Spectre. This electric super coupé has generated immense buzz, with orders sold out until 2025. BMW Group's commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and strategic foresight has been the backbone of its success. With a foundation in electric mobility and a vision for a sustainable future, the brand remains focused on redefining luxury driving experiences. View all BMW models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All BMW For Sale Source: BMW

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 04, 2023

BMW U.S. Sales Surge in Q3 2023 with EVs Making Waves

12% of the quarter's sales volume is accounted for by electric vehicles. BMW of North America reveals an impressive 7.6% growth in Q3 2023 U.S. sales compared to the same quarter last year. This upliftment signifies the premium automaker’s increased traction in one of the most competitive automobile markets. The figures look even more promising when seen year-to-date, with BMW boasting a commendable 10.3% increase. The bigger buzz is around the electric vehicles. While BMW is not new to the electric game, their strides in this quarter have been quite notable. Fully electric vehicles represented a significant 15.5% of total BMW brand sales for the third quarter. A total of 13,079 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) found new homes in Q3, marking a new record in quarterly BEV sales for the brand. When we pull back and assess the year-to-date scenario, the BMW Group's electric vehicles account for over 12% of their total sales volume. It's not just the numbers, but also the lineup. As the automobile industry is rapidly shifting gears towards more sustainable options, BMW is at the forefront of this transition. Fans and potential buyers have another reason to be excited as the first-ever BMW i5 is set to make its debut in U.S. showrooms in the forthcoming quarter, giving an electric version of its staple executive sedan to the 5 Series' passionate following. This launch is anticipated to further solidify BMW’s standing in the electric market, offering a fresh option to enthusiasts who are keen on embracing the future of mobility. Behind these remarkable numbers is a robust strategy and commitment from both the manufacturer and its dealers. The company prides itself on catering to a diverse customer base, and this is evident in their versatile product lineup. From luxurious sedans and SUVs to varied drivetrains including internal combustion and electric, BMW ensures it has something for everyone. Sebastian Mackensen, President and CEO, BMW of North America, voiced the company’s sentiments. Expressing satisfaction over the performance in the first three quarters, Mackensen emphasized the strength of their product lineup and its potential to close the year on a high. He remarked, “Together with our dealer partners, we are happy with the result achieved in the first three quarters, but more importantly, the strength of our product lineup positions us well for a strong finish to the year.” Reiterating the brand's commitment to meeting customer needs, he added, “We offer a variety of different vehicles to meet our customers’ needs… and we’re pleased to report that demand remains high.” For automotive aficionados and prospective buyers, BMW’s latest sales figures are more than just numbers. They represent the brand's commitment to innovation, adaptability, and understanding of the evolving market dynamics. As we inch towards the close of the year, it will be interesting to see how BMW further accelerates in the market, especially with its expanding electric portfolio. View All BMWs For Sale