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 – June 07, 2018

BMW Unveils 2019 X5

Time flies, so the new 2019 BMW X5 caught us off guard. Unveiled in a press release last night, BMW has launched the 4th generation of their popular "Sports Activity Vehicle". Over 2.2 million of them have been sold over the past 2 decades, with 1/3 of them being sold here. Mr. duPont had a bright red X5M for a few years, and it was nothing short of amazing.While the M version won't be initially available, we can choose between two turbocharged engines, the xDrive 40i, or the xDrive 50i. The 40i has a 335 hp six-cylinder, and the 50i has a 456 hp 4.4 liter V8. The wheelbase is 1.6" longer and the chassis is 2.6" wider. The roof also gained an inch to increase headroom and cargo capacity.Senior VP of Design Adrian van Hooydonk said: "The BMW X5 embodies the origins of the BMW X family and, in its fourth generation, sends out its most powerful message yet in terms of presence and modernity. It defines a new X design language – robust, clear and precise.” Just like every other X series, it is rolling off the BMW USA assembly line in Spartanburg, South Carolina.In addition, they are building a new line for the upcoming X7. This full-size model will go toe-to-toe with the Bentayga and the Escalade, so get ready for a new round of SUV wars. Since the X5 is built here, our dealers are already taking orders. So click the link below and find out why the BMW X5 is the perfect American utility.Browse BMW X Series For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 26, 2017

The New 2018 BMW X2 Finally Breaks Cover

The first-ever BMW X2 is finally here after countless teasers from the German automaker. The new 2018 X2 will sit above the X1, even though it is less of a crossover and even smaller in size (3.2 inches shorter and 2.8 inches lower than the X1).Arriving in the United States come Spring 2018 will be the BMW X2 xDrive28i. Powering the car will be a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine that develops 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. With a curb weight of 3,662 lbs and the 8-speed Steptronic transmission handling the power, the X2 will run 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds.Reviewed: 2017 BMW i8“The BMW X2 represents an expression of modern and extrovert vehicle dynamics,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design, in describing the first-ever BMW X2. “Its standalone vehicle concept brings a new, fresh and exciting facet of the BMW to the compact segment.”Coming with the X2 is a new Galvanic Gold metallic exterior color, which is showcased in the images included in this article. To join in the new color's striking appearance is the M Sport X package that includes the Sports Automatic Transmission and 20-inch alloy wheels.As of now, pricing for the 2018 BMW X2 has not been revealed, but we will learn that info when we draw closer to its Spring 2018 release date.

By Edward Jones – August 11, 2017

New BMW X2 Unveiled in Striking Camo

BMW is keeping the new X2 under wraps for the time being, but at least the wrap it's being concealed in is pretty to look at. The newly released images of the new X2 show it in what they say is a yellow,grey and black camouflage that is unlike any other we've seen (sure looks like orange). Typically, we see cars in black and white camo-- this is a great break from the norm.The German automaker says that this camo is perfect for the X2: "...its athletic contours were dressed in a spectacular camouflage design that was absolutely perfect for a jungle excursion."Unfortunately, we'll still have to wait a little while for the full unveiling of the car, as this unveiling was really just a taste.

By Andrew Nabors – March 18, 2017

Reviewed: 2017 BMW X5

German SUVs are popular among active adults because of build quality and style. The X series from BMW has been a runaway success for the brand, but many are shocked to learn its origins. Since it launched in 1999, the BMW X5 has been built in Greer, South Carolina. The drivetrain may be Deutsch, but the body and many ancillaries are made in the USA. Our Publisher had a 2012 X5M for a daily driver, and I can attest to its rugged suspension and twin turbo V8 power. A new chassis is coming next year, so they allowed us to spend a week with a new version of an old friend. The 3rd generation X5 launched in late 2013 for the '14 model year. Standard equipment is the venerable TwinPower 3.0 liter straight six. If you can't have fun with 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque you should seek treatment because it's a great engine. And if you don't need the wild power and aggression of the X5M, the mid-level option is the 4.4-liter twin turbo V8. The first mass produced reverse flow V8, the exhaust ports are aimed to the V of the engine. This mounts the turbos inside the V for instant response. Engineers even went so far as tuning each exhaust pulse into the turbine housing.Cruising around Florida's west coast you will have no shortage of SUVs to congest the roads. So your ace in the hole is 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Only available in xDrive AWD, the X5 sends power exactly where needed. Blistering launches are accompanied by a strange exhaust note from the reverse flow engine. Body roll is well-subdued thanks to stiff sway bars and Teutonic springs. With performance equivalent to the X5M of the previous generation, you will have ample torque in any situation.Inside the layout is unmistakably BMW. Even blindfolded, most Bimmer enthusiasts would quickly locate the shifter and control stalks. The best feature on wet roads is brake drying. Water sensors mounted down low tell the ABS module to keep slight pressure on the brake pads. They have a slight grip on the rotor which generates enough heat to keep them dry. It also means an instant pedal response in wet weather driving. An 8-speed automatic is the only transmission, and we feel that an engine of this power level doesn't need such complexity. Not to say its unsuited, it seems to be ever-shifting up and down in the name of fuel mileage.Built for a global market, the X5 is not as wide as our domestic models, but that makes it easier to maneuver in urban settings. Visibility is best in class and the seating position is ideal. Curb weight is just over 5,000 lbs so it has a plush ride on the highway. Fuel mileage in city driving is only 15 mpg because the turbos come alive almost instantly. It was a fun week and we would consider this American built BMW before many domestic offerings. It would be nice to see a low range in the transfer case, but for $72,300 you will have a comfortable and capable ride with plenty of room. We patiently await the fourth generation, so stay with us for updates on the latest from BMW.Luxury SUVs For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 03, 2016

BMW SUV Climbs Stairs, Proves Its Worth

There are many people out in the world that would think BMW just makes sports cars or luxury sedans. But the German automaker planned to prove everyone wrong with their X Series SUVs. Unfortunately, many people are still on edge on whether or not these SUVs are capable off of the road. Having driven many iterations of the X Series SUVs, I can easily say that they are quite capable all around.For those who are still on edge about the BMW SUVs, I'm here to present you with a video of one proving its worth. Somewhere not in America, presumably Europe or Russia, a BMW X Series decided to go off of the beaten path and make its own path... up multiple flights of stairs. First, I'll say do not try this on your own and always stick to the legal roads. Secondly, this video, at the very least, shows that the German SUV can handle pretty difficult terrains.Check it out below and if you want your own BMW SUV, you can view all of the ones we have for sale by clicking the button below.BMW X5s For Sale

By Caitlin Duffy – October 01, 2015

New BMW X4 M40i Introduced

BMW's M division has taken another model and cranked it up to impressive levels, bringing a new entry to the Sports Activity Coupe segment. The BMW X4 M40i is a dynamic drive that's just as beautiful as it is capable, and the new top-of-the-line offering for the X4 series.A full look at this 4-door model shows a sleek design both inside and out, with special color choices adding a new level of distinction. A press release issued today by the marque include quite a few images, and says that he X4 M40i is "setting new standards with even more keenly honed driving dynamics, a high degree of emotionalism and singular exclusivity."The front and side mirrors have been finished in Ferric Grey, and when combined with Chrome Black tailpipes and 20-inch, M light-alloy, double-spoke wheels, they create a striking appearance for the car. The interior shows off its M styling in the form of M leather on the steering wheel and an M gear shift lever, as well as on the sport seats and model-specific door sills.This model sees the world premier of a new M developed engine, a TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder. The power created has been cranked up to 360 hp and 343 lb-ft, meaning the X4 M40i can sprint from 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds and reach an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.(See Also: BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R's Booming Engine)Check out the photos of this new release in the gallery below, and find your own X4 from our exclusive listings. Gallery (Source: BMW) See More BMW News

By Caitlin Duffy – August 07, 2015

Bang & Olufsen Sound for the BMW X5 & X6

In your hands, you can feel the steady vibrations of the steering wheel. 445 hp is at your disposal, pulled along by 480 lb-ft of torque. A 4.4-liter V8 creates it all, sending a rumble through the body of the car. But something more clear, deep and crisp overpowers it all - the steady beat of a bass drum, enveloping you in music from every angle. The Bang & Olufsen patented Acoustic Lens emerges from the dashboard as the system turns on.It sounds like an experience reserved for a night out with your favorite car - but it's not. It's a daily drive in your BMW X5 or X6 with the High End Surround Sound System from Bang & Olufsen.With the Bang & Olufsen sound systems found in BMW's vehicles, the marque has made sure it never leaves drivers or passengers wanting for rich beautiful sound. Since 1925, Bang & Olufsen has been recognized worldwide as being the front runner of high-quality audio systems, but it wasn't until 2005 that they introduced their first system for the automotive market. In the ten years since, they've mastered the art, and the BMW X5 and X6 both feature this stunning sound.The X5 and X6 are the latest BMW models to feature the high-end Surround Sound system. They bring the same deeply layered, yet completely homogeneous sound that drivers have enjoyed in BMW's sedans to the sport activity vehicle (SAV). The system features Bang & Olufsen's patented Acoustic Lens Technology, which accurately spreads music's high-frequency sounds throughout the cabin, ensuring all passengers are in the best listening position. The Acoustic Lens is integrated into the dashboard and precisely emerges and gently illuminates when the system is turned on.Other innovative technologies on board include a powerful, yet efficient Class D amplifier with a dedicated channel for each speaker in the vehicle - 16 in total. TrueImage Processing is the brains behind the system, offering the most life-like 5.1 surround sound expereince on wheels. Dynamic Sound Optimization (DySop) technology ensures your listening experience is always optimized. This intelligent technology actively adjusts all system parameters to compensate for changes in the cabin's listening environment, whether coming from within our outside the vehicle.While the technology is impressive, the biggest contributor to the quality of this sound is the 400 hours of sound tuning each model undergoes during development. Bang & Olufsen's world-renowned Acoustic Engineers tested and tuned by ear and by digital measurement, both in their labs and on the Autobahn at speeds up to 155 mph. Take your X5 to the track and enjoy a Sonata at 100 mph - only your adrenaline will keep you from hearing every note.[infobox bg="gray" color="black" opacity="on" subtitle="Speakers: 16 Fully Active PremiumAcoustic Lens Technology: Delivers 180 degrees of sound dispersionAmplifier: Class D 16-Channel with 1,200 wattsSound Features: 5.1 Surround Sound with Bang & Olufsen TrueImage ProcessingSpeaker Grilles: Anodized Aluminum"]Quick FactsOf course, the beauty of this sound system is found in its visual presentation as well. You won't necessarily need to see the Bang & Olufsen name laser-engraved into the surfaces of the grilles to know who crafted them. Round, solid aluminum and anodized in BMW's exclusive Perlglanz (Pearl Gloss) color, each is crafted at Bang & Olufsen's state of the art aluminum processing facility in Denmark.Two distinct audio modes can also help refine the system's ability to match your desired listening experience. The "Expanded Mode" option is meant to broaden the sound stage and imitate the feeling of concert hall acoustics, while "Studio Mode" lets you hear the music as the artist initially intended, fully incorporating the original recording's complete atmosphere.No day is ordinary when experienced by an extraordinary person, and each mode ensures your aural experience matches the quality of a BMW drive.For the best selection of models equipped with the Bang & Olufsen system, reach out to one of their preferred dealerships throughout the United States. Scan the list below to find the one closest to you, and find the aural and automotive experience you didn't know you'd been craving.Advantage BMW Group | Houston, Texas BMW Encinitas | Encinitas, California Classic BMW | Plano, Texas Global Imports BMW | Atlanta, Georgia Vista BMW Coconut Creek | Coconut Creek, FloridaGallery Sponsored by Bang & Olufsen See More BMW News

By Caitlin Duffy – July 14, 2015

BMW X5 M Featuring M Performance Livery

BMW's M Performance division is capable of creating some stunning things under the hood, but their ability to refine the exterior and create motion even when a car is parked is just as impressive. And when you get to the interior details of their final product, it's nearly love at first sight.They first introduced M's take on the X5 in October 2014, but in a gallery added to BMW's Facebook page July 13, they gave us a full look at what a true X5 M looks like. With a stunning white base color, this X5 M features the iconic M tri-color stripe along the bottom of the side sills and curving around to the rear exhaust. A hint of the two blues and red is also visible in the front vents.Carbon fiber accents every flat surface of the interior, as well as the gear shift, while black leather with contrast white stitching coats the rest."Pushing to the maximum," describes the gallery's caption. "And beyond." With the X5 M, they've pushed far enough for its 4.4-liter V8 to create 575 hp and 553 lb-ft, pushing it to 60 mph from a stop in 4.2 seconds.(See Also: BMW i8 Joins the Peninsula Hotel Shanghai's Vehicle Fleet)Find your own X5 M from our exclusive listings below, and stay with us to see more creations from BMW's M Performance.X5 Ms For SaleGallery (Source: Facebook, BMW) See More BMW News

By Edward Jones – June 03, 2015

The New 2016 BMW X1

With more than 61,974 units of the X1 being sold in the United States to date, it's no doubt that this model is highly successful. To capitalize on its success, BMW has revamped the small SUV for the 2016 model year.While it may not look like the car has undergone an overhaul, trust me when I say it has. The new updates to the model were detailed in a press release issued today by BMW.The biggest change made to the car is that the rear-wheel-drive platform of the outgoing X1 has been replaced with architecture shared with the mini for the 2016 model. The position of the front/transverse-mounted four-cylinder engine allows for more cabin and cargo room. Below are the specific increased measurements. + 1-inch in possible front seat height + 2-inches in possible rear seat height + 1.5-inches in rear legroom +2.6-inches in rear legroom with option adjustable rear seat To top off the increased increments, the ride height of the X1 has been increased by 1.7 inches.At launch, the 2016 X1 xDrive28i will be available with an all-new 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo. This engine produces 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds.The new 2016 BMW X1 will be available in US showrooms fall of this year. Be sure to check your local BMW dealership for availability.BMW X1s For SaleGallery (Source: BMW) Click Here For More BMW News

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