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 Edward Jones – November 04, 2020

Production of the 2021 BMW M3 is Underway

Hey, everyone, it's finally happening: production has started on the new 2021 BMW M3 at the Munich plant. It's been 35 years since the first M3 was unveiled, allowing for decades of innovation to occur for the M3. Now, the new M3 is set to be the most innovative of them all. For example, the new M3 will be powered by an M TwinPower inline-six engine that's capable of producing a healthy 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. That's plenty of power for a spirited drive, especially when the engine is mated to the six-speed manual transmission. In regard to when we will start seeing these on the road, expect to see them on the road in early 2021. If you can't wait, we have pages of M3s for sale right now, which you can check out by clicking the button below. See All BMW M3s For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 13, 2020

2021 BMW M4 Competition Coupe vs. M3 Sedan

Last week, German Auto Journalist @GregKable confirmed that Mercedes-Benz had discontinued their manual transmissions. This comes at a time when Porsche, Cadillac, Hyundai, and Subaru are seeing a resurgence of three-pedal popularity. That is why the Masters in Munchen refuse to build boring cars. Because it can be hard to choose between 2 or 4 doors, here is their 2021 BMW M4 Competition Coupe vs. M3 Sedan. 2021 BMW M4 Coupe & M3 Sedan Officially Unveiled For the new model-year, both cars in competition form offer 502 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The legendary straight-six S58 has been revised with a taller deck height and the core of the cylinder head is 3D printed. Essentially two inline 3-cylinders, the front and rear have their own single-scroll turbos. Manual transmissions are standard equipment, with boring boxes remaining an option. While the M3 is rated to be a tick slower, it is more practical for friends and family. You can't make a wrong decision here, so click the button below to browse the latest from BMW's M Division and stay with us for all your BMW news. BMW M3 For Sale BMW M4 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 23, 2020

2021 BMW M4 Coupe & M3 Sedan Officially Unveiled

My birthday is just a week away, and now that the M3 is 35 years old I should probably diversify my 401k. Nevertheless, the M Division builds amazing machines that make you feel young again, so we're glad the 2021 BMW M4 Coupe & M3 Sedan have been officially unveiled. While the 6th generation of the M3 will be offered as a sedan and a Touring (wagon), all 3 models will rely on the legendary 3-liter straight-six with two turbos. For those that demand the most from their ultimate driving machine, the Competition models will offer a manual transmission sending 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, with AWD coming next year. The latest version of the S58 engine has a closed deck, forged internals and wire-arc coated cylinders. The first production cars to have 3D-printed cylinder heads offer maximum torque from 2,750 to 5,500 with a redline of 7,200. " width="680"> The turbos are water-cooled by an independent cooling system. An electric water pump runs after the engine is off to allow them to cool at a controlled rate. Both the transmission and engine oil have dedicated cooling systems, ensuring optimal combustion temperatures and reliability. The brakes measure 15" and the M-Sport subframes are stronger than the base model cars. Brake-by-wire and adaptive suspension are also onboard to give you an incredible driving experience. Our dealers have all the info, so click the button below and stay with us for all your BMW news. Browse BMW For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 21, 2020

2021 BMW M3, M3 Touring, & M4 Teased

Tomorrow we will meet new versions of old friends. After years in development, the 2021 BMW M3, M3 Touring Wagon, and the M4 have been teased on Twitter. Staying true to their heritage, a revised straight-six with dual turbos will be offered with manual or automatic transmissions. While BMW M refers to the engine as "TwinPower" each turbo is fed by 3 cylinders. Not only does this eliminate turbo lag, it adds reliability via redundant systems. The 6th generation of the M3 will be joined by a wagon, we can only hope they allow Americans to buy it. The press release mentions the return of the M4 Convertible for sale next year, so stay with us for the full debrief after the unveiling. Browse BMW M3 For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 12, 2020

BMW is Actually Making an M3 Touring Wagon

Hey everyone. I'm just here to let you know that for the first time ever, there will be an BMW M3 Touring. Yes, this model will join the BMW M GmbH's model range for the first time in history. Excited? Me too. This new model will be powered by a six-cylinder M TwinPower turbo engine, have five doors available, and plenty of storage space. BMW says this about new introduction of the new model: "As the fourth model variant, the BMW M3 Touring fulfils the hopes of all those who wish to take the M-specific interplay of racing-oriented performance and everyday suitability to the extreme." I, for one, I'm more than excited and I can't wait to see it in its entirety. Unfortunately, the car is still in the early stages of what BMW is calling a two-year series development process. BMW also says that they will be testing and tuning the M3 Touring on the Nurburgring, so hopefully those eagle-eyed spotters will be capturing some footage of it in action soon.3 See All BMW M3s for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 06, 2019

BMW M3 GTS by Carfection

Manufacturers are forced to change their recipe when a model needs more attention. BMW doesn't do this in a subtle manner. After introducing the V10 powered M5 in 2005, they decided to drop a V8 into the M3. Known as the E90 sedan and the E92 coupe, they are now collectible among M fans. Henry Catchpole and his team decided to examine the most potent example produced, so here is the BMW M3 GTS by Carfection. It was probably a financial mistake to not offer it in the U.S., but we did receive a potent and limited "Lime Rock Park Edition". The growl of a high-revving V8 is almost American in nature, but this isn't an LS swap. Only offered here between 2008 and 2013, they make a great track car as is. But the aftermarket supplies everything you need to transform an M3 Competition into a GTS. Click the link below to find yours, and stay with us for all your M3 updates. Browse BMW M3 For Sale Related: A Dozen M4 GTS Attack the 'Ring BMW M3: Four Generations Drag Race

By Andrew Nabors – May 21, 2018

BMW Unveils 2019 M3 CS

Get ready to be amazed, because BMW has revived a legend as we've officially learned the details of the new 2019 M3 CS. Taking inspiration from the 1988 E30 M3 Evo, this potent machine will hit 62 mph in only 3.9 seconds. A few internal and external revisions allow the 3.0 liter straight six to offer 460 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The latter arrives at 4,000 rpm, and it is harnessed by a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. In keeping with the CS traditions, weight is saved through the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics for the roof, hood, and aerodynamics.Inside we are treated to Harmon/Kardon audio and two-tone leather. The black and Silverstone pattern has Alcantara accents are limited to these 1,200 cars. The Gurney flap on the trunk lid is gorgeous and functional, as the top speed has been raised to 174 mph. Each car will arrive with 19x9" front and 20x10" wheels out back. Wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, these semi-slick rubbers are the latest in street-legal performance tires. Thanks to the increased grip, the Adaptive M Suspension and the active differential have been recalibrated for more fun. If you are interested, click on the link below to contact our dealers and sell your old M3 on the world's greatest exotic car marketplace.Browse BMW M3 For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 22, 2016

2016 BMW M3: Price, Specs, Review and Photo

2016 BMW M3 Specs Price: $68,850 Engine: 3.0-liter twin turbo straight 6 Horsepower: 425 hp 0–60: 4.7 seconds Top Speed: 163 mph Transmission: 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic Torque: 406 lb-ft ReviewWith BMW’s M designation and 30 years of on and off track accomplishments, the 2015 M3 is a mesmerizing combination of digital and mechanical performance. Available exclusively as a sedan, power comes from a twin turbocharged, 425 horsepower inline six-cylinder engine. Available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the driver is offered a wide range of suspension, engine and transmission settings. Exterior updates for 2016 are full LED taillights and new color choices. Inside, the navigation and climate control software is more user friendly. This M3 blends style and cutting edge performance at an excellent value. Did we mention how fast this sedan is? The 30-50 mph takes only 1.9 seconds, a figure staunchly supportive of the M3’s claim to mid-range power. BMW has used 30 years of M3 development wisely, and has produced a useful sedan with looks to turn heads, speed to satisfy those who live for the passing lane and adaptable comfort for those who desire versatility.BMW i8s For Sale Buy Your Issue Now

By Andrew Nabors – September 22, 2015

2013 BMW M3 Lime Rock Park Edition For Sale

Lime Rock Park is an historic Race Track in Salisbury, Connecticut. It is host to a wide variety of motorsports events, from NASCAR to SCCA and everything in between. Before the debut of the latest M3 body style, BMW chose to build 200 of the last E92 series M3 coupes as a tribute to the track. The 2013 BMW M3 Lime Rock Park Edition included every possible option along with titanium exhaust and a wild Fire Orange finish.You might associate the M3 with inline six cylinder power, but this generation featured a high winding, naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8. Built from 2008 to 2013, they made 414 hp and redlined at a wild 8,300 rpm. Their current offerings have changed, with the coupe being labeled an M4, and the return of the straight-six engine.BMW For SaleThe Lime Rock Park Edition will probably be the last V8 powered M3, and a coupe version of this storied model is not likely to return. This collector’s item is equipped with a six speed dual clutch automatic and has only 1,513 miles on the odometer. Our friends at Ferrari Maserati of Central Florida will be happy to give you more information on the car; call 407-667-4300 or email sales@ferraricf.comFor more classic and collectible BMWs, stay tuned to Autofluence.View PriceGallery See More Cars For Sale Sports Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 17, 2015

One-Off BMW M3 “Münchner Wirte” at Oktoberfest

Today, BMW announced plans to unveil a new M3 in “Münchner Wirte” livery. This one-off vehicle has been created to celebrate the company's ties with both motorsport and the city of Munich. Naturally, BMW will be unveiling the car during Oktoberfest in Munich, which runs from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4.The car sports a livery modeled after the BMW M1 Procar that raced 34 years ago, in 1981. But, this isn't the only similarity between the two cars: both have a six-cylinder in-line engine and rear-wheel drive.(See Also: Koenigsegg Founder Races Veyron Against His Own CCXR)Interestingly enough, the two engines of these cars are close when it comes to performance in power. The engine powering the M1 Procar develops 470 hp, which allows it to complete a 0-62 mph run in 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 193 mph. Powered by a new-age M TwinPower Turbo engine, the upcoming M3 has 431 hp on tap, and can run 0-62 mph in 4.1 seconds, topping out at 174 mph.But, at the end of the day, the M3 and M1 are two cars that respresent two different moments in BMW's history.“Although the two cars are very different, it was surprisingly straightforward to carry over the design from the two-door BMW M1 racer to the four-door BMW M3 Sedan,” said Walter Maurer, the man responsible for the original M1 Procar and the one-off M3.Be sure to check back with us for more exciting BMW news as it's released.M3s For SaleGallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News, Pics and Videos

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