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 Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 16, 2016

Rinspeed Creates Self-Driving Σtos Concept Based on BMW i...

Much speculation centers around the illusive self-driven car that we've all been waiting to see for the past few years, but Rinspeed is looking to put that speculation to rest. Though others have tried, Rinspeed is out to set the standard for the best, most humanly compatible self-driving car and will present the Σtos Concept Based on BMW i8. The design and specifications of the Σtos are truly something special.The car will feature a retractable steering wheel the retreats into the dashboard, which provides the human "driver" with more space to work, read or partake in another activity. Two 21.5 inch wide screen HD monitors adorn the dashboard and are adjustable to fit the driver and passenger's needs. Equipped with Harman Connected Car technology, the Σtos employs a "personal assistant of sorts" much like iPhone's Siri. The technology is able to provide entertainment, information and anticipate the needs of the passengers.Σtos focuses not only on having the best of technology, but also employing the most effective safety measures. According to Rinspeed,A total of eight HD exterior cameras visually monitor the vehicle surroundings completely. This makes impressive 180-degree panoramic views in front of the vehicle and behind possible and provides virtual “exterior mirrors” with an expanded field of vision that has no blind spots. People and objects in the entire vehicle surroundings are detected and tracked automatically. If they represent an accident hazard, the driver receives an appropriate warning.The Swiss car maker ensures that speed and agility will also be a factor for Σtos with wide 20-inch Borbet GTX aluminum rims and an aerodynamic body.The Σtos is set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show, but for now, check it out in the gallery below.BMW i8s For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 16, 2016

Revealed: BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition

As if the i8 couldn't get any sweeter, BMW recently announced on Facebook that the BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition will hit the market in July 2016 and only be available for a limited time. The exclusive red finish and small details in the Protonic Edition give the i8 an added aesthetic edge. The Protonic Edition will have the following exclusive features: Protonic Red Paint Frozen Gray metallic accents BMW W-spoke 470 light-alloy wheels Red double-stitching in interior High-grade carbon fibre and ceramic applications The i8 is all about futuristic sport, and a classic red finish and interior accents speak to the sportiness of the car. As you may well know, the i8 is a modern GT car made almost entirely of carbon fiber. The wonder material can be seen along the door jambs and other areas to make light of the car’s performance nature. With 23 miles of pure electric range, the i8 is also a sensible choice for a daily driver. The Protonic Edition just adds to the luxury and sport this hybrid car already exude.Here's a recap of the BMW i8 specs:2016 BMW i8 Specs Price: $136,500 Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder Horsepower: 357 hp 0–60: 4.2 seconds Top Speed: 155 mph Transmission: 6-speed automatic Torque: 420 lb-ft The Protonic Edition is set for sale this summer and although numbers haven't been verified yet, BMW promises a limited production.BMW i8s 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 Edward Jones – February 08, 2016

Revealed: 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 BiTurbo

A quick trip to BMW's website under the "M" section will show that the M7 isn't currently listed in their lineup-- unfortunate, we agree. If you're upset about the lack of a more powerful 7-Series, don't worry, because the new 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo is here.Powering this supercar-like sedan is a 4.7-liter V8 that utilizes BMW's Bi-Turbo technology. Its power is rated at a remarkable 608 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. This power flowing through an 8-Speed Sport-Automatic transmission gives the new B7 the ability to run 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 193 mph, even with a dry weight of 4,541 lbs.2017 BMW ALPINA B7 BiTurbo Specs Engine: BiTurbo 4.7-liter V8 Horsepower: 608 Torque: 590 lb-ft Dry Weight: 4,541 Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic 0-62 mph: 4.2 seconds Top Speed: 193 mph Being a luxury sedan of its magnitude, the new B7 glides across the pavement as a result of the inclusion of Dynamic Damper Control (DDC) and Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview. With DDC, the car's can be adjusted up or down for a total adjustable range of 40 mm, giviing the driver the ability to ride smooth on any road.Separating the new B7 from the rest of the crowd is the fresh interior and exterior. On the outside are new body components in the form of aero enhancements that give the B7 a new face and rear. More notable are the 20-inch ALPINA CLASSIC alloy wheels, centered around a 20-spoke architecture. Need bigger wheels? They also offer a 21-inch version as an option. Inside the cabin a refined interior laid with Nappa leather and highlighted by the digital instrument panel and media display.Pricing for the 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 BiTurbo is unknown, but we should get more details as we get closer to the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show.ALPINA B7s For Sale

By Caitlin Duffy – November 12, 2015

BMW G 310 R Introduced by BMW Motorrad

BMW Motorrad, the division responsible for the marque's motorcycle development and production, has broken into the segment of bikes under 500 ccs while still providing a comfortable, powerful ride.The G 310 R motorcycle has been developed from scratch by BMW Motorrad, and as a press release issued Nov. 11 describes, it embodies everything the division stands for. Its design is athletic and fierce, yet falls in line with the rest of the marque's motorcycles in presenting a clear statement. It is undeniably BMW, and yet it does this with a single-cylinder engine.Power is a bit low at just 34 hp and 20 lb-ft, but its incredibly low weight means that power is quickly utilized; the G 310 R weighs just under 350 pounds. A steel frame helps keep it rigid, yet its low weight means it's incredibly agile."Extremely compact and with a broad spectrum ranging from comfortable to sporty and dynamic, the new G 310 R simply opens up a whole new world of experience in its segment when it comes to ride response," described the release.Check out the photos of this new motorcycle offering from BMW below, then find a BMW with four wheels for yourself from our exclusive listings.BMWs For SaleGallery (via BMW) See More Motorcycle News

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 – August 14, 2015

BMW Concept M4 GTS is a Water-Injected Monster

It has only been a year since BMW launched the new M4 Coupe, but the German automaker has already introduced the new Concept M4 GTS.Unveiled in a press release issued today, the new Concept M4 GTS has a large number of optimizations that make it ride above the rest. One of the most interesting upgrades is the new water injection system. This system emits a fine spray into the intake manifold, which reduces the combustion chamber's temperature and allows for higher boost pressure without introducing additional stress.(Related: BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R Concept Celebrates Anniversary)On its outside, this new M4 has an exterior finished in Frozen Dark Grey Metallic with Acid Orange accents. The exterior is also highlighted by the manually adjustable front splitter and wing, each of which is crafted from carbon fiber.Specifics about the car's performance are unknown as of right now, but we do know that it will be a series-produced model, with production numbers also unknown. Stay with us for more information on the car as it is released.BMWs For SaleGallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News, Pics and Videos

By Edward Jones – August 14, 2015

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R Concept Celebrates Anniversary

To mark BMW's 40th anniversary of being in North America and the success of the 3.0 CSL in 1975, the German automaker has created the new BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R.BMW has brought the car to California for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, one of the most prestigious car shows in the world. They also announced the car in a press release issued today, which is full of details and photos.On the outside, the 3.0 CSL Hommage R is very similar to the 3.0 CSL Hommage, but has a livery that harks back to the original. In fact, there are even "Bavarian Motor Works" decals on the front and rear windscreens, just like the original. Inside, the cabin is almost bare, but that's because the necessary gauges are displayed on the driver's helmet visor in a sci-fi movie sort of way.(See Also: Bang & Olufsen Sound for the BMW X5 & X6)From the inside out, this is a rightfully gorgeous car with a classic-styled livery that blends effortlessly with modern design cues. And that's not to mention the cabin's technology is something that has me more than interested.For now, this is only a concept car, but it's most definitely a look into the future of BMW race cars, as well as the technology and design cues that will shape them.Gallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News, Pics and Videos

By Caitlin Duffy – May 12, 2015

BMW Performance Updates for Summer 2015

A slew of new developments in both performance and technology will be making their way into the majority of BMW's core models over this summer, meaning it's time to start looking at your trade-in value and prepare for a newer, faster, leaner machine.A press release issued by the marque today announced the upgrades for the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series and 5 Series, with special additions for the Z4, X5 and M235i xDrive Convertible. The changes range from the availability of new paint colors, to the optimized efficiency of new three- and four-cylinder engines.Available beginning in July, the 1 Series will feature a new three-cylinder engine. While it may only produce 136 hp, its gas mileage is an extraordinary 54 miles per gallon. The 2 Series Coupe and Convertible will both have a new four-cylinder diesel engine available, meaning there will now be seven engine options for these models, four of which use gas and three that use diesel. The M235i xDrive Convertible will see the first use of intelligent four-wheel-drive tech in a compact convertible sports car.A new four-cylinder engine features TwinPower Turbo technology for the 3 Series Gran Turismo, 4 Series Convertible, 4 Series Gran Coupe and X5.In terms of new exterior options, Champagne Quartz metallic and Smokey Topaz metallic are now paint options for the 4 Series and M4. The Z4 Roadster will have Estoril Blue metallic available this July as well. Set for introduction in the near future is a Tanzanite Blue metallic paint for the 5 Series Sedan and Gran Turismo.(See Also: Secret Classic BMW Collection Uncovered)Be sure to take a trip to your nearest BMW dealership to pick your perfect BMW featuring these new options, or take a moment to browse our exclusive listings below to find something a little different. As always, stay with us for more updates from the automotive world.View All BMWs For SaleGallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News

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