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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

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 02, 2023

Arnold Schwarzenegger Enjoys The BMW i7 M60's Theater Screen

An iconic luxury car manufacturer teams up with one of cinema’s most iconic personalities.

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 31, 2023

Naomi Campbell x BMW Partner For The XM "Dare to be You" ...

BMW M’s newest SUV model joins forces with one of the greatest models ever.

By Andrew Nabors – January 21, 2021

Magnus Walker Reviews BMW E39 M5

While he is synonymous with classic Porsches, the Urban Outlaw appreciates all great cars. That is why Magnus Walker reviews the BMW E39 M5 to launch a new video series. Our friends at Hagerty Insurance are behind "The Next Big Thing". In it we see what makes the 2000-2003 BMW M5 for sale so fantastic. The S62 is a 5-liter V8 with individual throttle bodies, dry-sump oiling, and variable valve timing on all cams. With a chassis that is still more capable than many late-model sedans, they represent incredible fun for an affordable price. Browse BMW M5 For Sale Images (C) BMW & Hagerty

By Edward Jones – April 10, 2019

Khalid's BMW i8 Roadsters Unveiled for Coachella Trip

At the end of March, BMW unveiled that Khalid, the famous singer, will be taking a fleet of BMW i8s and i3s to the Coachella. In the trip will be vehicles that has designs inspired by "Free Spirit", Khalid's latest album. Today, BMW unveiled the designs for the i models that will be included in the Coachella fleet. They feature flames and an image of a wolf, cues that were inspired by the album cover of "Free Spirit". "I love road-tripping, hopping in my car and driving back home to El Paso is 12 hours each way from LA," says Khalid. "To me, BMW, especially BMW i8, is the embodiment of freedom on the road. I really feel like a free spirit when I’m driving and listening to music. I love making music that you can crank up and drive to with the windows down." Coachella will be taking place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California from April 12 to 21 April 2019. view all bmw i8's for sale

By Edward Jones – March 26, 2019

Khalid Taking Fleet of BMWs to Coachella

Khalid, the famous singer, will be heading off to Coachella in a very special way: with a fleet of BMWs. More specifically, the fleet will consist of BMW i8s and i3s that have been custom wrapped in artistic designs. Inspiration for the designs are said to come from Free Spirit. The trip will be begin on April 11, 2019. Joining Khalid will be a group of hand-selected "influencers" and VIPs, who will be documenting the trip via the #RoadToCoachella hashtag. There will also be a #RoadToCoachella Palm Springs pitstop (April 11-14, 12-5pm). BMW says this will be a "one-of-a-kind experience with a special opportunity to connect fans with Khalid." view all bmws for sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 06, 2018

BMW M5 & R nineT Star in Mission Impossible: Fallout

Agent Ethan Hunt needs the best transportation to complete his objectives. For the latest Mission Impossible motion picture, BMW provided some amazing machines. The first generation of the M5 was the E28 chassis, and Tom Cruise put some moves on this 1985 supercar sedan.BMW Unveils M5 Mission: Impossible EditionFor two-wheeled scenes, BMW's Motorrad division supplied a new R nineT. Featuring an air-cooled 1,170 cc flat-twin, its low center of gravity makes for the perfect getaway bike. Once the old M5 is riddled with gunfire, Ethan introduces the real star of the film. A new BMW M5 Competition arrives with 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The latest M xDrive system has 4WD, 4WD Sport, and 2WD for the ultimate drift. Check out these beautiful Bavarian builds in the teaser below and click the link to browse our listings for all generations of the M5.Browse BMW M5 For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 08, 2018

BMW M5 Co-Stars in "Mission: Impossible - Fallout"

The upcoming film "Mission: Impossible - Fallout" has none other than Tom Cruise as the main star, playing the role of Ethan Hunt. But, he has multiple sidekicks that join him in the movie, including the new BMW M5 sports car.This news comes along the announcement that BMW Group is the exclusive worldwide automotive partner of the film. Through the movie, the agents will encounter a number of BMW models, including the 1986 BMW 5 Series Sedan, the BMW 7 Series Sedan and the BMW R nineT Scrambler. BMW Unveils 2019 M3 CSSure, the M5 will serve its purpose as a high-speed getaway car, but there are a few things that seem to be missing. What about secret missile launchers, lasers or an oil slick dispenser? Those tricks may help Ethan from getting into trouble so many times. Seriously, can the dude catch a break?"Mission: Impossible - Fallout" opens in cinemas worldwide on July 27, 2018.

By Edward Jones – November 02, 2017

BMW Tupac was Shot in For Sale

After watching a fight at the MGM in Las Vegas, Tupac Shakur was shot in this very 1996 BMW 750iL that was leased by Death Row Records. Behind the wheel of the car at the time of the shooting was Suge Knight. When he was shot, Tupac had sold over 75 million records worldwide and was a central rapper in the West Coast vs East Coast feud between Bad Boy Records and Death Row Records.Steve Jobs' BMW Z8 Heading to Auction Now, Celebrity Cars Las Vegas is selling this very BMW and include all documentation with the sale. The car has had several owners since that tragic night, but the most recent owner had the car go through a full restoration. During this restoration, the wheels that were equipped during the shooting were installed. It runs great and is in fantastic condition. For more info and it's price, click the button below.View Listing and Price

By Edward Jones – October 31, 2017

Steve Jobs' BMW Z8 Heading to Auction

Steve Jobs', the man who truly turned Apple into the technological powerhouse that it is today, wasn't known for his cars, but he still enjoyed fine German automobiles. One of his vehicles was this 2000 BMW Z8 that he was convinced to buy, thanks to Larry Ellison, the CEO of Oracle. It comes with documentation proving Jobs' ownership of the vehicle. He kept the car until 2003 when it was sold to the current owner. RM Sotheby's will be auctioning off this BMW at their New York - ICONS auction (Dec 6, 2017) and it is offered without a reserve. It comes with only 15,200 original miles and full California ownership.David Beckham's 2001 Ferrari 360 Spider To Be Auctioned

By Edward Jones – December 08, 2016

Conan O'Brien Hilariously Goes 140+ mph on the Autobahn

There's no denying the fact that driving fast on the Autobahn is on the bucket list of many automotive enthusiasts. There's also no denying that Conan O'Brien is one of the funniest guys on television. So, what happens when Conan gets behind the wheel of a BMW i8 and goes over 140 mph on the Autobahn? Amazing and hilarious things.(Also Check Out - New Acura NSX Autobahn Top Speed Test)Conan is currently touring Berlin, doing things as the Germans would. And, of course, Germans love the Autobahn so he had to take a German car on the German road. He had Lars come along with him, a rally driver, showing him the ropes of the stretch of road until he was comfortable enough to take it on himself. The nervousness of Lars is visible as Conan took the wheel and went upwards of 140 mph. Check out the video below to see one of the most hilarious drives on the Autobahn.All BMW i8 For Sale

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