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 – November 12, 2020

BMW & Feeding America Are On A Drive To End Hunger

We live in the greatest nation this world has ever seen. Being around amazing cars and going to exclusive events is how many of us spend our spare time, so it makes no sense to learn that hunger is still a major problem in the U.S. Cold weather is already encroaching so your time to act is now. That's why we are glad to announce that BMW & Feeding America are on a Drive To End Hunger. The process is simple. From Tuesday, November 17th to Saturday, November 21st, all you need to do is test drive a new BMW or MINI. When you do, BMW will pledge to donate 200 meals to Americans in need. Over the last 3 years, this program has provided 4.3 million meals to those who would otherwise go hungry. Feeding America is a network of over 60,000 panties, food banks, and meal programs. Because this program works at the dealer level, it is a great way for you to get involved in helping your local community. Once your test drive is over you will have a $1,000 Gift Certificate towards any new BMW or MINI. Click the button below to find a dealer near you and stay with us for all your BMW news. Find Your BMW Dealer Here " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 02, 2020

Making of the 2021 BMW M4 Competition x Kith Video

Ronny Fieg launched his own fashion brand in 2011. Kith is based in New York and it allows him to share the latest trends with the world. Taking inspiration from his grandfather's classic E21, the 2021 BMW M4 Competition x Kith is exclusive & powerful. Since he was 12 years old, his designs for footwear and apparel have been collaborations with Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Disney, Coca-Cola, and Versace. " width="680"> Unfotunately, the handmade interior and bespoke exterior require hundreds of hours on and off the assembly line. As such, this work of art is limited to 125 examples. Jens Thiemer, Senior Vice President Customer and Brand BMW said “With his unique ideas and Kith label, Ronnie Fieg is one of the outstanding minds and opinion leaders in the worlds of fashion, lifestyle and luxury.” The M Power twin turbo six sends 510 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque to the rear. This allows it to reach 62 mph in 3.9 seconds while looking amazing inside and out. Reservations are being accepted now, so click the link below to find our BMW M dealer near you. Browse BMW M4 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 20, 2020

2021 BMW X5M & X6M Competition First Editions Unveiled

In an ideal world, every crossover and SUV would arrive with twin turbos. While it would be nice to have a BMW V8 in any condition, adding the world's most competent AWD is icing on the cake. To celebrate their return with more power and more capabilities, the plant in Spartanburg is preparing to build the 2021 BMW X5M & X6M Competition First Editions. Only 250 examples of each will be offered, either in BMW Individual Frozen Dark Silver or BMW Individual Frozen Marina Bay Blue. The staggered forged wheels are 21 front/22 rear, and the exterior trim is a combination of painted and exposed carbon fiber. Both models offer 625 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque across a wide range of the tachometer. The leather is exclusive bi-colour Silverstone/Midnight Blue, with Sakhir orange contrast stitching. Each example will also have its number out of 250 applied to the carbon spoiler before it is clear coated. Click the buttons below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your BMW news, BMW X6 For Sale BMW X5 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 30, 2020

2021 BMW 4 Series Convertible To Arrive With Soft Top

Folding Hardtops are entertaining and insulating, but their weight and complicated systems are sacrifices. That is why the 2021 BMW 4 Series convertible will arrive with a soft top. Without a dozen synchronized motors, cloth allows the new 4 Series to have a lower center of gravity and lower curb weight. BMW has been building the best new convertibles for 35 years, and the new 4 Series is a departure from the norm. Instead of building a coupe without a roof, the body stands alone in their lineup. While it closely resembles the 4 Series coupe, the chassis and body required more steel to offer the same driving experience. Torsional rigidity and steering response are identical to the coupe thanks to a new "panel bow" soft top. The roof is 40% lighter while having class-leading thermal and acoustic insulation. The six-cylinder models will have mild hybrid assistance, with the base model offering 374 horsepower. Click the button to learn more and stay with us for all your BMW news. Browse BMW 4 Series For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 22, 2020

2021 BMW 8 Series Golden Thunder Edition Unveiled

Automakers have been encroaching on the aftermarket for years. What began as the rebirth of personalization programs has evolved into an assault on custom shops. McLaren Special Operations, Porsche Exclusive, and Q by Aston Martin have serious credibility by dealers and owners alike, and now BMW is reasserting the power of their Individual program. Focusing on all three versions of the 8 Series, the Golden Thunder Edition was just unveiled. Starting with Sapphire Black or Frozen Black, the ecstasy of gold can be found on almost every body panel. Inside, gold embroidery adorns the black Merino Leather seats along with the microfiber headliner. Gold-anodized aluminum is also used throughout for an unmistakable experience. This package is available on every 8 Series Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe', but not the M8. Our dealers have all the info, so click the button below and stay with us for all your BMW news. Browse BMW 8 Series For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 14, 2020

BMW Welt is Open Again

With many of the world's best museums still closed, the masters in Munich are ready to welcome guests again. In a press release this morning we've learned that BMW Welt is open again. Showcasing the history of BMW from early airplanes to the latest M8, the facility's new hours are 8 am to 8 pm. This includes the Lifestyle & Accessory store, Cooper's Bistro, and the 2-star EssZimmer restaurant. Test drives will resume on Saturday for the electric Mini SE, with each car being sterilized between guests. If you want a similar experience on a smaller scale, BMW USA's headquarters in Spartanburg, South Carolina should also be on your list. Click the button below for great offers on the new BMW M8 for sale. Browse BMW M8

By Andrew Nabors – May 06, 2020

BMW Expands South Carolina Delivery Experience

The BMW X-Series of SUVs are very popular here in the U.S. For those wanting a true Bavarian experience, many choose European Delivery, as it includes a tour of the Munich headquarters and BMW Welt. The issue is that if we want an X-Series delivered in Munich, it has to be transported from the factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Every BMW X-Series and many others have been built there for over 25 years. That is why BMW is winding down their Munich deliveries to North American customers. Instead of the Autobahn, you will have to settle for the Blue Ridge Parkway, or the Tail of the Dragon in your new Bavarian (American) masterpiece. Also, the BMW Performance Driving School is located on-site, and the factory instructors will show you how to get every ounce of performance from your new ride. In an interview with Autoblog, BMW spokesperson Oleg Satanovsky said that any BMW for sale can be delivered in Spartanburg, not just the ones built locally. Click the button below to find an X-Series near you and stay with us for all your BMW news. Browse BMW X-Series For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 27, 2020

2021 BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid Unveiled

Workers in Munich have weathered the worst of the virus to offer something unprecedented. Everyone has a fond memory of a 3 Series, so get ready for a new chapter in the history of the fun sports sedan because the 2021 BMW 330e Plug-in hybrid has been unveiled. Shrouded under a revised body is a powertrain that is shockingly efficient. Instead of the traditional straight-six, a new 2.0L turbo is coupled to a hybrid drive. Although the battery is only rated at 12 kWh, it allows for a combined output of 288 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Leaving it on charge at night and you will have 22 miles of pure electric cruising. I love the M3, but 75 MPG is appealing to me. Click the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your BMW news. Browse All BMW 3 Series For Sale " width="680">

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 Andrew Nabors – August 27, 2019

BMW Unveils X5 Protection Armored SUV

Sun Tzu said to keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. The problem is that today it is hard to tell friend from foe. That's why something tough has just emerged from BMW's plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. If your daily commute encounters small arms fire, BMW has unveiled the X5 Protection armored SUV. After complete disassembly, every component was upgraded to VR6 specifications. This is a standard adopted by NATO for protection of state officials and dignitaries. It comes from the constant fear of assassination or kidnaping in areas like South America, Africa, and Eastern Europe. First off, it has to be capable to handle 33 lbs of TNT parked next to it. This lateral blast locks the armored windows in place. Overlaps in the body seams prevent forced entry, and the drivetrain will still be running. Every piece of glass is over an inch thick, and it is rated to stop the 7.62 x 39 round fired by the AK-47. Next up, it was tested against the DM-51 fragmentation grenade developed for the Eastern Bloc nations in 1978. The X5 Protection passed without flinching and quickly evaded the situation. Under the armored hood is a highly modified X5M V8. It uses twin turbos to make 530 horsepower. Torque is what you really need to get moving, so it offers 568 lb-ft at only 1,800 rpm. The suspension, brakes, and drivetrain are all new and built to take a blast. A 30-06 might give it a headache, so if someone is after you with that you should consider your life choices. If you need more security, click the link below to find our BMW dealer near you to request more information. Browse BMW X5 FOr SAle Related: Armored Escalade Office by Lexani Motors Armored Auto Transport by Virginia Transportation

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