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 – February 24, 2022

BMW Kicks off M's 50th Anniversary Celebrations With A Hu...

BMW rallies their M-enthusiast “team” the way any team would: with a huddle. This year marks the 50th anniversary of BMW’s M division, and while the actual anniversary won’t technically be until May, an entire year’s worth of celebrations have already started. The 50th-anniversary celebrations will be divided into four chapters, each spanning a quarter. The first has already started, “Huddle Speech,” which is exactly that: a scene of BMW M vehicles ranging from the M1 Procar to the XM Concept, to the i4 M50, and even motorcycles, all huddled in a circle, rallying each other to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their shared passion for motorsport. MUST READ: BMW Announces Its Special Edition M850xi Gran Coupé With Artist Jeff Koons In the “Huddle Speech” film, the speakers talk about the fact that M rests on the passion for motorsport and speed that everyone within it has, and that they not only celebrate their past but celebrate “the next race” and their future, beginning and ending with a resounding yet simple statement: We are M. BMW says that the second chapter of celebrations will focus on M’s history, while the third focuses on electric vehicles and the fourth on the M lifestyle. We have quite a year ahead of us, but with a huddle like this, we’re ready to get started. All BMWs For Sale

P90416613 the all new bmw m3 competition sedan with m xdrive and the all new bmw m4 competition coup with m xd 2250px

By Andrew Nabors – April 20, 2021

2022 BMW M3 & M4 Competition xDrive Unveiled

M Town has much to offer Big power has been known to transform BMW's high-performance models into drift machines. Because they have 510 horsepower from the twin-turbo straight-six, the 2022 BMW M3 & M4 Competition have been unveiled with xDrive. The world's most capable AWD system normally sends all power to the rear wheels. This retains a sporty nature for both cars, saves fuel, and makes driving great again. In the twinkling of an eye, the active M differential can send power to the front, or to any wheel that needs it. Years in the making, this system has multiple settings for track and street while maintaining 28 MPG. The genius of the design is a wet clutch inside the transfer case. This allows your car to constantly dish out torque where its needed, without angering the stability systems. Tell us which M car is your favorite in the comments below and stay with us for all your BMW news. M3 For Sale M4 For Sale Image (C) BMW

By Andrew Nabors – April 14, 2021

Mini Renews Urban-X Startup Accelerator

A new incubator looks promising for small businesses Accelerators and incubators are a great way to get your project off the ground. This new collaboration between Mini USA and Urban-X will last 20 weeks and be based at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. This historic spot has been the birthplace of hundreds of Navy ships since before the Civil War. Takins inspiration from the historic grounds, Urban-X has just announced the next class of startups "Cohort 09". The focus is on urban mobility, public safety, and sustainable construction methods for affordable housing. This shotgun approach has led many ideas to become brick & mortar companies, so we applaud Mini on helping entrepreneurs. Mini continues to build compact sports cars that don't break the bank, so click the button to find one for yourself and stay with us for all the big Mini news. Browse Mini For Sale Image (C) BMW

By Andrew Nabors – March 17, 2021

2022 BMW i4 Revealed With Impressive Range

Shocking news straight from Munich: the all-electric 2022 BMW i4 was revealed with impressive range. Their Annual Conference is a gathering of all BMW big shots who are betting big on an electric future. While the i3 could be had without the optional range-extender, it has a face only a mother could love. Engineers who build the ultimate driving machines sculpted an all-new sedan. Following the same lines as their other "GranCoupe" models, the beltline has a steady rise into a chunky c-pillar. It's easy to see that styling was aimed at the masses, and to allow the M Sport team to spice it up somewhere down the road. In the coming months our dealers will receive the first models. Initial offerings are rated at 530 horsepower for 366 miles, reaching 62 mph in 4 seconds. In contrast to their competitors, BMW offers every technical detail without a dozen films and celebrity endorsements. Tell us your thoughts on how cars new cars should be introduced in the comments below and click the button for amazing incentives on pre-owned i8 for sale See All BMW i8 For Sale Images (C) BMW Group

By Andrew Nabors – March 09, 2021

BMW M Unveils 2021 MotoGP Safety Cars

The fastest sport on two wheels demands the most from any support vehicles, so BMW M has unveiled the 2021 MotoGP Safety Cars. They have been setting the pace since 1999, and this year marks the first time they've offered three versions of the Safety Car along with the launch of a new bike. The BMW M 1000 RR is the Safety Bike, and its also the first M-branded motorcycle. Tune in to watch the Grand Prix of Qatar and you will see an M3, M4, and M5 CS loaded with lights and radios. By the time the series reaches Portugal, they will be joined by an M8 Competition Gran Coupe, X5M, and the Safety Bike. Tell us what you are looking forward to this season and stay with us for all your BMW news. Shop BMW Images (C) BMW

By Andrew Nabors – January 15, 2021

2021 BMW X2 M Mesh Edition Pricing & Specs Unveiled

Looking back on their Fast Financials, we see the X Series leading the way. That's why the 2021 BMW X2 M Mesh Edition pricing and specs were unveiled in the U.K. Combining the best features of the M Sport series along with a unique color scheme. The body is Brooklyn Gray and the 2-tone 19" wheels are a nice contrast. 2021 BMW X2 M Mesh Edition Much like the other M Sport models, gloss black is seen on the grille. Frozen black-brown is exclusive to this edition, and it covers the fender flares and body cladding. The shadow line package covers the other trim. Choose from two engine options or a hybrid with an e-range of 25 miles. Pricing starts at the equivalent of $47,000, so our dealers will be happy to build one for you. Browse BMW X2 For Sale We also have the latest BMW M fashion accessories waiting for you. " width="680"> Image (C) BMW Group

By Andrew Nabors – January 13, 2021

2022 BMW iX Will Arrive With Ultra-Wideband Digital Key Plus

The world's first electric "Sports Activity Vehicle" has a targeted range of 300 miles, and the 2022 BMW iX will arrive with ultra-wideband Digital Key Plus. The first automaker to fully utilize the U1 chip of the iPhone 11, you won't need to touch your phone to unlock and start the new iX. BMW Celebrates 20 Years Of iDrive Working with the Car Connectivity Consortium, they have published a comprehensive language of controls and interactions known as Digital Key Specification 3.0. The new iX has consistent runs to 60 mph in 5 seconds thanks to 500 horsepower, and the ability to add 75 miles of range in 10 minutes thanks to DC fast charging. Amazon is preparing to offer smart chargers, allowing Alexa to keep your BMW ready to go. Click the button to find our dealer near you to reserve yours. Browse BMW For Sale Also, if you have been trying to decide between the M3 and the M4, here is a weight comparison. " width="680"> Image (C) BMW USA

By Andrew Nabors – January 12, 2021

BMW Celebrates 20 Years Of iDrive

After two decades on the market, the world's most innovative automotive control is poised for a big makeover. The new system will make its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show, so BMW is celebrating 20 years of iDrive. What began on the 2001 BMW 7 Series for sale is receiving unprecedented processing power and the latest in voice recognition. This new system will be offered on the 2022 iX with an intuitive menu. We won't spoil all the juicy surprises, so click the button to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your BMW news. Browse BMW For Sale " width="680"> Image (C) BMW

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By Andrew Nabors – January 05, 2021

2021 BMW 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition Unveiled

Situated at the crossroads of Asia and the Pacific, Malaysia is a hot market for luxury and performance cars. As such, the 2021 BMW 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition has been unveiled by BMW Malaysia. Limited to 36 examples, each will arrive in an exclusive shade of Carbon Black. Learn How to Drift With a BMW M8 Competition: RWD vs AWD Based on their popular "Shadow Line" series, you will enjoy black grilles, window trim, and 20" M Performance wheels. Buyers can choose from Black Dakota or Cognac leather with contrast stitching. For those of us outside Malaysia, the same combination can be ordered through our local dealer. Through the "BMW Individual" program, you too can experience a menacing 5-Series. Click the button below to learn more. Browse BMW 5 Series For Sale Image (C) BMW Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

By Andrew Nabors – December 10, 2020

BMW Opens 3D Printing Campus In Munich

The biggest innovations in the automotive world have been in small parts, and that is why BMW has opened a new 3D printing campus in Munich. Their latest press release is focused on "Additive Manufacturing". The process by which metal and composites are formed into parts using CNC machine tools is transforming the industry. A new plant is running 100 printers, half metal, and half plastic. Without much need for human oversight, they are turning out everything from suspension brackets to seatbelt buttons around the clock. To keep them going, engineers are finding common areas across BMW's lineup. A part made for the Cullinan could also be used on the 3-Series, so these economies of scale will increase the quality across the board. Browse BMW For Sale

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