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 – July 30, 2019

BMW Celebrates 40 Years of the M1 Art Car by Andy Warhol

It has been four decades since a famous artist met a timeless machine. It took him less than 30 minutes to create this masterpiece, and it lauded by many to be the best combination of art and automobiles. That's why BMW is celebrating 40 years of the M1 Art Car by Andy Warhol. To encourage the next generation of automotive photographers, BMW organized a social media "Shootout 2018" by asking for fan submissions. The winner was Stephan Bauer, a 29-year-old resident of Munich. He was allowed to choose from a wide range of cars from BMW Group Classic, but his mind was made up well in advance. Under the famous exterior is a car every BMW fan would love to drive. This M1 was built to race, with a 470 horsepower straight-six behind the cockpit. The body was designed by Giugiaro (Italdesign) in Turin, and Dallara engineered the tube frame chassis. Ferrucio Lamborghini offered to build them, but there was a falling out after the prototypes were completed. Their goal was to beat up Porsche in Group 5 racing, and one day we will tell the story of how BMW M was given a blank check to build a supercar. We always have a few for sale, so click the link below to own a piece of BMW history. Browse BMW M1 For Sale " width="680"> Related: Browse BMW M6 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 11, 2019

2020 BMW 840i xDrive Unveiled

When it comes to new models, BMW does it right. Instead of starting at the bottom, the first 8 Series we saw was the race-ready M8 GTE. Then came the M850i xDrive coupe and convertible. If you don't need a twin-turbo V8, your car has finally arrived. In a press release this morning, we see the 2020 BMW 840i xDrive unveiled. There is something about a straight-six BMW convertible that is timeless. Their latest 3.0L is 13 lbs lighter and packs TwinPower turbos. Each turbo is fed by 3 cylinders, and this ingenious approach has zero turbo lag. It offers 335 horsepower between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm, along with 368 lb-ft of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. This broad powerband allows the xDrive coupe to reach 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, with the convertible doing it in 4.6. Unfortunately, they have reverted back to timing belts, so expect an intense service schedule. The xDrive system is optional on the coupe and convertible, and it defaults to Rear Wheel Drive until you need AWD traction. The 2020 BMW 840i xDrive Coupe is priced at $90,800 plus the $995 Destination charge. Our dealers have all the 8-Series info, so click the link below to find one near you and stay with us for all your BMW news. Find Your 8-Series Here " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – July 03, 2019

BMW Unveils 2020 X6 xLine & M Sport

As you prepare to celebrate the 4th, consider your family hauler. We're not here to promote a new German SUV, so if you need something new & American, consider the latest news from Spartanburg, South Carolina. BMW has unveiled the 2020 X6 xLine & M Sport models. This marks the 3rd generation of their "Sports Activity Vehicle" and it is built exclusively here in the U.S. and sold around the world. It measures 1" longer and 1/2" wider, and 1/4" lower. The wheelbase has been stretched by 1.6" to offer better handling. Adaptive shocks are standard equipment, and you can choose between coil springs or air suspension. Other standard goodies include an 8-speed automatic transmission and a new version of xDrive AWD. It is the best AWD system on the market because it defaults to rear wheel drive when not needed. Staying true to their roots, the list of options is several pages long. The most interesting ones are an illuminated grille, Laserlight adaptive LED headlights, and a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond+ 3D surround sound system. Engine choices start with a 340 horsepower straight six. If you need more, the X6 M50i will arrive with a 530 horsepower V8. The 1st and 2nd generations are no-less impressive, and our dealers have great incentives to make room for the new models. So click the link below to find your next ride. Find Your BMW X6 Here! Related: 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Revealed 2020 BMW Z4 Review by Carfection

By Andrew Nabors – May 28, 2019

2020 BMW X1 to Receive M Performance Parts

Fun begins at number one, at least to BMW fans. The 1 Series is their introductory model, and the third generation is about to arrive in the U.S. Instead of the RWD coupe and convertibles you might be expecting, we are only being offered a FWD compact crossover. Hot hatchbacks are popular as college cars and surprisingly with retirees. That's why the new 2020 BMW X1 will receive M Performance parts. While the X1 xDrive28i does send some power to the rear wheels, it is only on hard acceleration or to prevent a drift. The advantage of the X1 sDrive 28i is a starting price of $34,950 and seating for 5 adults. While we wont see an X1M, their recent press release will allow you to customize your new ride. First up is a carbon fiber body kit, because RACECAR! It includes a new front splitter, rocker panels, mirror caps, kidney grilles, and a rear diffuser. Vinyl graphics in frozen black will let the public know you are ready to race. Also optional are massive 18" brakes and 19" wheels. The press release didn't list prices for the parts, but our dealers are ready to give you all the info. Browse BMW X1 For Sale Related: Ferrari & BMW Win This Year's International Engine Awards Tesla Model 3 vs BMW M2 Competition

By Andrew Nabors – May 23, 2019

Ferrari & BMW Win This Year's International Engine Awards

Yesterday the winners were announced for the 21st Annual Engine Of The Year. With several categories depending on size and power, Ferrari & BMW won this year's international engine awards. First up was the hybrid award, and after extensive testing the BMW i8 got the trophy. The 1.5L turbo only has three cylinders, but it delivers 220 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. It can power the rear wheels while also charging the hybrid system. Or it can send voltage directly to the front electric motor. One engine took home multiple wins, and we're not surprised. The Ferrari 3.9L V8 won engine of the year for the 4th consecutive year, and also the award for best performance engine. It is found in almost every model, from the Portofino, GTC4LussoT, and the 488 GTB, Spider, Pista, and the new F8 Tributo. It offers 710 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, and 568 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm. While it is great that Ferrari offers such performance, we are left wondering why cars like the Koenigsegg Regera, McLaren Senna and the Corvette ZR1 were not given an honorable mention. Tell us about your favorite engine in the comments below and stay with us for all your exotic car news. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale Related: Top Gear Explains McLaren's Mid Engined Supercars Hear the Loud Lamborghini V12 on Jay Leno's Garage

By Andrew Nabors – May 17, 2019

2020 BMW M5 Edition 35 Years Unveiled

If you need something new to drive the, fast M5 is 35. Yours truly will be 36 years old in a few months, and like the BMW M5, we are at the top of our game. The most powerful version of the 5-Series has been the ultimate driving machine for a generation of enthusiasts. That's why the M division pulled out all the stops for this anniversary. Get ready for a wild ride, as the 2020 BMW M5 Edition 35 Years has been unveiled. We didn't mix up the title, BMW prefers a German syntax when naming their special editions. This is smart because it makes them stand out from the competition. Only 350 cars will be built for the world, and U.S. models will arrive in November. Three and half decades ago, engineers took the potent straight-six from the M1 and dropped it into a 5-Series, and the rest is history. What Makes It Unique? Starting with a deletion of the trunk badge, the sleek appearance is given by BMW Individual Frozen Dark Grey II Metallic. This special mix gives the appearance of a silk matte body. The Graphite Grey wheels are M Light Alloys, and are also specific to this car. Interior Unlike Any Other Inside, the M Sport seats are covered in BMW Individual Merino Black Leather. To make the interior even more classy, the center console, door panels and dash have gold anodized carbon fiber inserts. The console and sill plates are engraved with "M5 Edition 35 Jahre". Fully Loaded Every M5 option is included. Starting the Executive Package, you will have soft-close doors, powered sun shades 4 heated seats, 4-zone climate control, massaging front seats, wireless charging, and 3D Surround View Park Control. The drivers pack moves the speed limiter from 155 to 189 mph, along with a voucher for M Driver's School. Heart Of The Beast Under the hood is their M TwinPower 4.4L V8. It is rated at 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It makes that torque from 1,800 to 5,860 rpm, which is simply brutal. You could pull a semi trailer if needed, or you could launch to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. In 10.8 ticks you are going 124 mph. New motor mounts were needed to keep it restrained, so solid polyurethane is 55% stronger than rubber used in the normal M5. Feeling Shifty? Because it makes so much power, the Dual Clutch transmission was dropped. A new 8-speed M Steptronic automatic shifts faster when you want it to, or soft when cruising. To ensure long life, it has a double-pass transmission cooler. Behind the gearbox is the Active M Differential. It can send power to any wheel that needs it, or you can disconnect the front wheels for the ultimate drift. Both 4WD modes and RWD were recalibrated to handle the increased power Finishing Touch The car is 7mm lower and rides on a new suspension. Shocks and springs are 10% stiffer, and every moving part has ball joints instead of bushings. Thicker sway bars offer confident cornering, while M Compound composite brakes complete this rare masterpiece. All this can be yours for $128,995, and that includes delivery and gas guzzler tax. Find Your M5 Here

By Andrew Nabors – May 09, 2019

BMW M8 Will Arrive With New M Mode Controls

We have eagerly awaited the new BMW 8 Series ever since production ended on the 6-Series Coupe. They have had plenty of time to develop new technology, and we received a nice preview in a press release this morning. The BMW M8 will arrive with new M mode controls. It will allow for the driver to fine tune five separate systems. A new Setup button opens a menu containing options for engine response, suspension stiffness, steering feedback, brakes, and the M xDrive. You might be wondering how brake response can be altered, and its quite an interesting idea. The brake booster is now an electric with two levels of response. Altering the M xDrive will transform the car from AWD to RWD and anywhere in between. Click the link below to find an 8-Series near you, and stay with us for all your BMW news. BMW 8 Series For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 09, 2019

2020 BMW Z4: "Cool & Dangerous" by Brooklyn Beckham

If any automaker deserves respect for great photography, its BMW. Their marketing staff knows the value of the perfect image. That's why they allowed a young artist to shoot their latest roadster in Coachella. If you haven't seen one in person yet, here is the 2020 BMW Z4 in "Cool & Dangerous" by Brooklyn Beckham. The new Z4 is the cousin of the 2020 Toyota Supra and both will be in showrooms soon. Stay with us for all your BMW updates. View All BMW Z4 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 17, 2018

The New BMW X7 Unveiled as a Gigantic SUV

What would happen if you took the grace & composure of the BMW 7 Series and built an SUV with the same attention to detail? That is exactly what has happened, as the X7 was announced in a press release this morning. It has been under development at BMW USA's plant in Spartanburg, SC, and they were forced to upgrade the assembly line to accommodate its unprecedented size.The new "Sport Activity Vehicle" is the largest X Series to-date, with a length of 203" with a 122" wheelbase. Three rows of powered seats allow for 74 cubic feet of storage when folded. Fully-optioned examples will arrive with 5-Zone climate control, ambient fragrance A/C, and a panoramic roof. Air suspension is standard, and active sway bars are a nice option to have. Three engine options were briefly mentioned, but horsepower and torque figures will be released as production nears. Expect to see the X7 at your dealer around March, so stay with us for all of your BMW updates. View All BMW For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 05, 2018

BMW is Testing 8-Series Convertible in Death Valley

If you ever want to test your car's cooling system, we suggest Death Valley. Because it is lower than sea-level, the scorching temperatures will push your radiator and water pump harder than any other location. That is why BMW has released a few camouflaged shots of their 8-Series convertible testing out Californee-way.View the Sultan of Brunei's Car Collection!Roughly half-way between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, Death Valley is only 85 miles from the highest mountain outside of Alaska. Mount Whitney is 14,505 feet above sea level, and the drive between them can be torture on any car. The press release mentions other highlights for the Bavarian Engineers included the Hoover Dam, cruising the Vegas Strip, and cruising the Pacific Coast Highway.The trip began by parking the new convertible under the blazing sun while monitoring every system for signs of stress. To test the shielding of the electronics, it was then placed under the step-up transformers at the Hoover Dam. The car was not affected by 2,000 Megawatts buzzing around it, so it was time to see that power to good use.The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas is a perfect place to test an urban setting, with Stop & Go traffic punishing the team. Working with the other engineers in Miramas, France and at the 'Ring, BMW is making sure this new drop-top arrives without compromise. If you can't wait, click the link below to find a 6-Series near you and stay with us for all your BMW news.Browse BMW 6-Series For Sale

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