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 – 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

By Andrew Nabors – November 19, 2020

BMW Unleashes Two New Motorcycles For 2021

You have been good all year, so its time to retire your old motorcycle. Instead of adding up all the parts and time you have been neglecting, BMW has unleashed two new bikes for 2021. Packing big technology into a compact frame, the G 310 R has undergone a nice freshening. Making use of a water-cooled 313cc single-cylinder, it offers 34 horsepower and 20 lb-ft of torque. A new electronic throttle offers smooth idle transitions, and a revised clutch basket prevents hopping at low rpm. For those who refuse to lose, the S 100 R is ready to race. After removing every ounce of non-essential weight, BMW touts this bike as having unpalalled dynamics. What started as saving 11 lbs in the drivetrain evolved into a new frame. Gears 4, 5, & 6 are taller to offer a more relaxed experience when cruising the backroads. This did not hurt performance, as you have 165 horsepower and 84 lb-ft of torque. " width="680"> Because it all weighs less than 439 lbs, safety systems include ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control, and riding modes for bad weather. Developed for the World Superbike series, the computer snuffs out wheelies before you notice them, and the fuel maps make it one of the world's most efficient liter-bikes. Click the button below to find our BMW dealer near you and stay with us for all your motorcycle news. Browse BMW For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 13, 2020

2021 BMW M4 Competition Coupe vs. M3 Sedan

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

By Andrew Nabors – July 28, 2020

BMW Unveils Nice Upgrades for M3, M4, and M5.

Nothing beats the precision of a Bavarian Supercar. That is why BMW has unveiled a few nice upgrades for the 2021 model-year M3, M4, and M5. Starting with the big sedan, the M5 and 5 Series models can be upgraded with M Performance parts. Starting with carbon fiber, the front splitter, dive planes, rocker panels, and wicker bill really add an aggressive flair. The kidney grilles can be surrounded in gloss black or carbon, and a lower rear diffuser will keep you planted at triple-digit speeds. An optional M Performance steering wheel has Alcantara recessed grips and a red hash mark at noon. While your there, swap out the base model shift paddles for carbon fiber to complete the look. Underneath, the M5 Competition can be lowered by 20 mm by adjusting the coil-overs. This will allow you to corner-weight your car without buying expensive parts. M Performance forged 20" wheels allow you to upgrade to their big brake package, and they are offered in Ferric Gray or 2-tone finishes. Browse BMW M For Sale " width="680"> As a tease of the upcoming models, M Development Director Dirk Haecker explains how the M3 and M4 have been greatly improved. Starting with 480 horsepower on the base models, each can be had with a manual transmission. Competition models will make 530 horsepower through the 8-speed automatic. The front suspension and subframe is all new to prevent understeer. Straight-six engines with sequential turbos are heavy, so the front tires are much wider than last year. A new brake-by-wire system allows the driver to program just how aggressive the calipers react, something all cars should offer. Tell us your favorite M car in the comments below and stay with us for all your BMW news.

By Andrew Nabors – June 17, 2020

2021 BMW M5 & M5 Competition Revealed

Forget what you hear on the nightly news. SUVs might be selling well for the typical consumer, but people like us demand more. Never before has an M-car been so anticipated, as the pseudo-pandemic has put a choke on flaunting incredible power. Learning from the previous (F90) generation, the 2020 BMW M5 and M5 Competition have been revealed. For the sake of brevity, we will be focusing on the Competition model because it leaps to 62 mph in less than 3.3 seconds. Starting with the most important aspect, their 4.4-liter V8 retains turbos in the V to offer 625 horsepower. Because BMW supplies the world with potent automatic transmissions, their dual-clutch gearbox has been deleted. A conventional 8-speed automatic represents the state of the art. It is coupled to the only AWD system to offer full-time RWD if you don't need grip from the front. Launching with all four will have you at 124 mph in 10.8 seconds. All the latest technology is also onboard. Adaptive cruise control laser, BMW Laserlight, and a new operating system are at your command. The center console replicates the 2-button chassis control introduced on the M8. M Mode allows quick changes between road and sport settings while Setup displays all driving dynamics on the new 12.3" screen. Rated at almost 27 mpg on the highway, the new M5 is everything we could ask for. Our dealers have all the info so click the button below for all the info. Browse BMW M5 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 08, 2020

BMW M4 Offers Incredible Donut Recipe

Nothing beats a ring of fried flour covered with your choice of confectionery. If your car is front-wheel drive we apologize in advance, because what you are about to wittness is a delight for AWD and RWD enthusiasts. More than just drifting a complete circle, a proper demonstration of opposite-lock steering and brake control is required. So let's see how the BMW M4 offers incredible donut recipes. Shot at their Proving Grounds in Maisach, instructor Ede Weihretter sentences a pair of rear tires to death. At his command, the TwinPower 3-liter turbo offers 444 horsepower with 406 lb-ft of torque along with an active differential. The innovative front suspension has dual ball joints and more steering feedback than you ever dreamed of. That is how donuts are born. Not in a bland food factory, but with your hands behind the wheel. Click the button below to find your M4 and stay with us for all your BMW updates. Browse BMW M4 For Sale " width="680">

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 – April 29, 2020

2021 BMW 4-Series Coupe is Almost Ready

Whipping up a new blend of special herbs & spices, something mean and lean is about to debut in München. Their new sports coupe is a clean sheet redesign, focused on effeciency and driver excitement. We're anticipating something unprecedented, as the 2021 BMW 4-Series coupe is almost ready. In their latest press release, we learned it will no longer share suspension geometry with the 3-Series sedan. This was done to move the axis of roll and yaw closer to the driver's seat. It is 2-1/4" lower than the 3-Series, with an inch wider track width. The front wheels have more negative camber for crisp steering and more grip. Perhaps the best innovation for us car nerds are dual ball joints on the front control arms. Stronger strut towers and a shear panel on the firewall will make every day feel like a track day. As always, our dealers have all the details. They need to make room for the new car, so click the link below to find one near you. Browse BMW M4 For Sale

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