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 Andrew Nabors – April 09, 2018

BMW M2 Competition Leaks Online With M4 Power!

In the past, many automakers would not allow internal competition. The big engine in a small car controversy has been played out by Ford, GM, and now BMW. The quick & nimble BMW M2 and its M235i siblings are powered by a turbocharged straight-six engine. That's no surprise because the M3 and M4 also share versions of the same engine.BMW Unveils Limited Edition M240i M Performance EditionUsually, leaks about upcoming German cars come from Europe, but this one caught us off-guard. The Country (and Continent) that is closest to the International Date Line is Australia. Tomorrow officially begins at that line, so BMW from Down Under was first to show this new Bavarian beast to the world. Here's the cached page of the leak.When the M2 was first announced to have a single turbo, we figured it was due to the small engine bay. The M3 and M4 have two, using 3 cylinders to spin each turbine. Another important consideration is making the M3 or M4 buyer able to justify the price when compared to the M2, but why? A buyer looking for an M2 is probably not looking for anything else, so why not give it the most power?How To Build A BMW M2 Drift Machine? LS Swap It This doesn't come down to building a faster flagship because the new M760 is the fastest BMW on the market. They have always built the Ultimate Driving Machine, so get ready for 410 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. Only the dual-clutch transmission was mentioned, so we hope BMW USA listens to our six-speed needs. Pricing and availability have yet to be released, so stay with us for all your BMW news.Browse BMW M2 For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 08, 2016

Is the BMW M240i Actually Faster than the M2?

At the dealership, there are two main differences between the BMW M2 and M240i: price. The starting MSRP for the M240i is set at $44,450, while the M2 has a starting MSRP of $51,700. But, does the $7,250 difference in price translate to a faster drive? AutoTopNL set out to find the answer to this question.(Related - Who Wins? Porsche 718 Cayman S vs BMW M2)Underneath the hood of the M2 is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that's capable of 365 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds.As for the M240i, it also has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, but its power is rated at 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, and has a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds.While the M2 has more horsepower, the M240i has a high torque rating. Along with this, the M2 can sprint from 0-60 mph 0.3 seconds quicker. But what about the top end of each of these cars? Honestly, the video below was pretty surprising. Check it out to see how they performed when unleashed on the autobahn.All BMW For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 12, 2016

Revealed: The New 2017 BMW M760Li xDrive

The BMW 7 Series is gaining a new, prestigious and powerful family member. Time to meet the M760Li xDrive. With this model, BMW tops its class in power, luxury, and technology.A 6.6-liter V12 TwinPower Turbo delivers 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, which puts the M760Li xDrive at the top of its class.An exclusive and "state-of-the-art eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission" comes standard in the new model. Thanks to the twin turbo technology, the car accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and hits top speeds of 155 mph when electronically limited, but without electronic limitation the new 7 series can reach 189 mph.2016 BMW M760Li xDrive Specs Price: TBD Engine: 6.6-liter V12 TwinPower Turbo Horsepower: 600 hp 0–60: 3.9 seconds Top Speed: 155 mph/ 189 mph Transmission: 8-speed automatic Torque: 590 lb-ft ExteriorThe new luxury sedan is setting records and beating one model after another in its class. BMW is calling the new edition to the 7-series "discreet and luxurious" a characterized by its sleek matte Cerium Gray finish and 20-inch light-alloy wheels complete with subtle highlighting thanks to strips across the front apron and door handles. According to a press release from BMW, "other notable exterior features include the mirror caps, likewise in Cerium Grey, V12 badges on the C-pillars, the M logos on the sides of the car and the xDrive lettering and model badge at the rear."InteriorThe steering wheel features exclusive M leather and and the M logo. The steering wheel includes a host of Pearl Gloss Chrome buttons and shift paddles for those that prefer manual gear changes. The front seats are adjusted electrically and Nappa leather covers the seats. The new model even includes deep-pile floor mats so passengers feel as though they're stepping on plush carpet.For the first time, the 7 Series will also feature the iDrive operating system, which will enable riders to control various aspects like volume control and accepting/rejecting phone calls with the wave of a hand. According to the press release, "Hand movements detected by a 3D sensor control infotainment functions in an extremely intuitive and user-friendly fashion."The price for the M760Li xDrive hasn't yet been release, but rest assured we'll keep you updated as we learn more.BMWs For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 10, 2016

BMW Turned the M2 Into a Safety Car

When you think of the BMW M series, "Safety Car" isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind, but you'd be mistaken as "M" cars have a long history of being the safety cars in various circuits. And the newly unveiled BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car proves the M2 looks just as good circling the track. The M2 Safety Car is set to appear, along with the M4 Coupe and M3, during this year's MotoGP season.BMW and MotoGP's relationship spans nearly 20 years and is set to continue through 2020. The latest technology and specialty modifications have been made to the M2 to ensure they are perfect to "use as lead cars on the motorcycle racing scene", as described in a BMW press release.The M2, which is lighter than bot the M4 and M3, offers 365 hp. This new M2 Safety Car is decked out in retro M livery and gold wheels to match. Gold accents run through the exterior and interior of the Safety Car, and the exterior has been adorned with a carbon fiber wing and exclusive body kit.Check out the M2 Safety Car below and tune in to the 2016 MotoGP season to see it in action.BMWs For Sale

By Caitlin Duffy – November 03, 2015

BMW Bringing M2 Coupe & M4 Coupe to Feature M Performance...

Manufacturers and aftermarket companies from around the world are all en route to, or have already arrived in, Las Vegas for the 2015 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show BMW is there with their best foot forward, guaranteeing their place in the next 12 months of trends spawned and spread throughout the industry.The German manufacturer released a press release today showcasing their two display cars and all of the M Performance parts they've brought with them to the United States, each bearing their name more distinctly than ever before. SEMA kicked off today, and guests in the South Hall will get the first look at the M2 Coupe and M4 Coupe completely decked out in customary M colors. Each features new BMW M Performance parts, and all new M Performance parts have been inscribed with the M name.M4 Coupe owners will be happy to know that they can further the racing look of their car with the addition of new aerodynamic components, including side sill attachments, side gills in high-gloss black, carbon fiber diffuser and a through-flow rear spoiler made of carbon fiber. The front trim grille comes in high-gloss black, as do the side gills, while motor racing stripes on the side create an even more dynamic profile.M Performance updates for the M4 continue throughout the engineering and interior. The exhaust is even more lightweight, crafted from stainless steel and fitted with a rear silencer. The silencer offers two settings for sound characteristics, which both reflect the driving dynamics selected. An M twin-clutch transmission bumps 0-62 mph acceleration down to 4.1 seconds. The M4 Coupe's interior features a new steering wheel in Alcantara Anthracite, an M Performance gear selection lever, new center console trim, carbon fiber door handles and handbrake handle, LED door projectors and M Performance pedal covers.For the M2 Coupe, many of the same upgrades available for the M4 are found, including the black gloss grilles and gill elements, as well as the carbon fiber mirror caps and rear spoiler. Check out the photos of these decked out BMWs in the gallery below, then find your own M2 Coupe or M4 Coupe to upgrade from our exclusive listings.BMWs For SaleGallery (via BMW) See More BMW News

By Edward Jones – October 14, 2015

The First-Ever BMW M2 Revealed

It's been only a couple of years since BMW discontinued the 1M, but we've been craving another smaller M-powered car since. Arriving just in time to save us is the all-new 2016 BMW M2 Coupe.Unleashed to the world in a press release issued today, this new model is essentially a beefed up version of the already popular M235i. It harnesses power from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, which rates at 370 hp and up to 369 lb-ft of torque. This is a 50 hp and 39 lb-ft increase over the M235i.Something to be appreciated about the M2's powertrain is that BMW allows you to choose between the standard six-speed manual transmission, with throttle blipping for easier downshifts, and the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In a world where we're leaving the manual transmission behind ever so slowly, purists will appreciate this.When fitted with the automatic transmission, BMW states that the M2 Coupe's 0-62 mph time is just 4.3 seconds and 4.5 seconds with the manual transmission, with a governed top speed of 155 mph. However, the optional M Driver's Package can increase the top speed to 168 mph.(See Also: BMW M4 GTS in Action)A quicker 0-62 mph sprint and possibly quicker lap times are not only possible because of the added power, but also because of the Active M Differential. This active differential maximises traction in tight situations. Turn on the Dynamic Stability Control (MDM), which allows wheel slip, and you can enjoy the BMW drifts that you know and love - on a closed course with professional supervision, of course.Aside from the redesigned front and rear ends that include a new diffuser and larger air intakes, BMW has added width and length to the car to make it even more muscular than before. In the front, an additional 2.16 inches have been added to the body, while the rear has an added 3.15 inches. These new dimensions not only help the M2 hug corners a bit more easily, they also allow space for the 19-inch wheels and new Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires (front: 245/35 ZR 19, rear: 265/35 ZR 19).Unfortunately, pricing for the M2 Coupe has not been revealed yet, but sales are expected to start early next year.Gallery (Source: BMW) BMW News, Videos and Pics

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