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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 Andrew Nabors – January 25, 2021

2021 BMW M3 & M4 Competition Wheels Are A Great Upgrade

You don't need a new BMW for sale to experience great looks and confident cornering. That's because the 2021 BMW M3 and M4 competition wheels are a great upgrade. While the aftermarket has impressive style and wider stance, the engineers in Bavaria know your car better than anyone. Keeping weight to a minimum, your local BMW dealer has several new wheels available. The team at BMW M uploaded a quick glance at them along with explaining the benefits of each. Click the button to find our dealer near you. BMW M3 For Sale BMW M4 For Sale The BMW M team has also explained the cooling system, tire sizes, and weight savings of their best cars. Image (C) BMW USA

By Andrew Nabors – January 18, 2021

BMW Motorrad Unveils Custom R18 "Spirit of Passion"

Instead of being a casualty of 2020, BMW accomplished an unprecdented launch of a new retro cruiser. Now they have inspired the world as BMW Motorrad has unveiled a custom R18 "Spirit of Passion". " width="680"> Only available to their most-valued customers, each example is hand-built by Kingston Custom. Leaving only the frame untouched, this Art Deco machine sports a unique saddle, handlebars, mudguard, and the gorgeous fairing. BMW Motorrad Will Be Unvieling Two New Roadster Inspired Motorcycles All the technology and electronics are smartly hidden from view, leaving the big 1.8-liter exposed for all to see. If you need a new BMW, click the button below and get ready to ride. Browse BMW For Sale Images (C) BMW Motorrad

By Andrew Nabors – May 27, 2020

2021 BMW 5-Series Sedan Unveiled

Every European automaker is scrambling to add hybrid technology to meet impending laws. As Mercedes-Benz has just released an all-new E-Class, the 2021 BMW 5-Series sedan has been unveiled in Munich. It is an update to the 7th generation (G30) platform that premiered in 2017. Starting with the most obvious hardware, the 540i and 540i xDrive have gained a 48-volt hybrid system. It combines start/stop with regenerative braking and 11 extra horsepower in sport mode. The straight-six 3-liter has a meaty turbocharger and offers 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The RWD 540i reaches 60 mph in 4.9 seconds while the AWD 540i xDrive does it in 4.6. Opting for summer tires raises the top speed to 155 mph. Top 50 Best Exotic Cars & Supercars Of All Time The four-cylinder 530i and 530i xDrive have the latest in plug-in hybrid technology. They are a combination of a 181 horsepower 2-liter turbo and a 107 horsepower electric motor/generator. Along with a 12 kWh battery, total output is 288 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both RWD and AWD can cruise on battery power up to 19 mph, with nearly identical acceleration stats as the 540i. Lastly, it wouldn't be a 5 Series without a V8, so the twin-turbo 4.4-liter offers 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque to all wheels in the M550i xDrive. This means the M5 will undoubltedly have incredible power along with the updated styling seen here. Choosing between the straight six and the plug-in four will be tough, so click the button below to drive them both, then tell us which one you prefer in the comments below. Browse 5-Series For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 19, 2018

BMW M3: Four Generation Drag Race

If there is one unifying aspect of all BMW M cars, it is that their owners wouldn't trade them for anything else. When buying an M3, you are inducted into a group unlike any other. Owners stick together with more loyalty and dedication than almost any other automotive culture. Your M3 is not defined by its model year. BMW enthusiasts must memorize the chassis code of each generation. Much like fans of the Porsche 911, each generation has its own pros and cons. To see how the M3 has evolved since 1986, carwow brought together the four most significant examples. Here is a cheat sheet to help you bet on the right model: E30: 1986-92, 2.3-liter four-cylinder 192 horsepower, 5-speed manual transmission E46 CSL: 2004, 3.2-liter straight-six, 350 horsepower, six-speed SMG transmission E92 GTS: 2010, 4.4-liter V8, 444 horsepower, 7-speed DCT F80 CS: 2018, 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight six, 454 horsepower, 7-speed DCT Top 10 Best BMWs of All Time You can't go wrong with any of these, as they all represent the state-of-the-art for their era. With prices for the E30 and E36 series starting to skyrocket, the E46 is a sound investment. Click the link below to find your M3 and tell us which one you want in the comments below! Browse BMW M3 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 13, 2018

2020 BMW Z4 M40i Attacks the Nurburgring

When Toyota and BMW announced their collaboration on a new 2-seater, we knew it would be fast. The Japanese version will be the 5th generation Supra, and BMW has unleashed a new Z4. Officially known as the Z4 M40i, it is poised to offer more performance than the legendary Z8.Check Out LeBron's Car CollectionThe first lucky drivers to film their experience are from the German magazine Sport Auto. While still wearing its camo wrap, they installed cameras and GPS telemetry to see what it could do. A symphony of six-cylinder power is combined with incredible grip and a close-ratio dual clutch transmission. The car also transmits much less road noise into the cockpit, compared to other lap videos. They will be arriving at our dealers soon, so click the link below to find a Z4 near you.Browse BMW Z Series For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 22, 2018

A Dozen BMW M4 GTS' Attack The 'Ring

It is nice to see manufacturers giving back to their customers. The M4 GTS has to be the most capable coupe in recent history. It has track-ready rubber and suspension, with limits that far surpass anything on public roads.Great Deals on 2017 Lamborghini Aventadors!That's why the M Division hired professional drivers to train twelve lucky owners at the Nordschleife, the old north section of the Nurburgring. First stop was BMW's M Test Center, located adjacent to the track in the city of Nürburg. Upon arrival, the center's M Mechanics transformed each car into Track Mode. This involves dialing in the most aggressive settings on the front and rear spoilers.To warm up laps were used to bring the oil and tires up to temperature. Once unleashed, drivers were shown the optimal lines for each section, giving them confidence in the abilities of their machines. BMW Driving Dynamics Engineer Jörg Weidinger won the day with a smashing 7.28.88. Faster than most race cars of only a few years ago, it is a testament to The Ultimate Driving Machines. The press release says these "Faszination Nordschleife” events will become an annual mecca for M owners, so if you want to join in on the fun click the button below and buy yourself an M4!Browse M4 For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 06, 2017

How to Drift a BMW

There's a reason why drifting is so popular: it's downright fun to do. On the flipside, it's also difficult to accomplish in an attractive and smooth fashion. To help out those looking to take a crack at sideways driving, BMW M has released a "how to" video that teaches you the basics of drifting in an M4 Coupe. The instructor in the video is Stefan Landmann, a race car driver who won the 24-hour Nurburgring. Landmann is also a certified BMW instructor, meaning he knows just how to teach the finer aspects of driving. Click play below to learn a thing or two about the art of drifting a sports car like the M4.Click to Sell Your Exotic CarUsed Sports Cars

By Andrew Nabors – July 03, 2017

BMW Teases i8 Convertible

Summer 2017 is off to an electric start, and BMW is adding to the buzz with a quick preview of the third i-Series model. A convertible i8 is the next logical step for the brand, and it looks just as aerodynamic as the coupe. BMW's first ever plug-in hybrid sports car, the i8 packs a 7.5 kWh battery along with a 1.5-liter turbo three cylinder to keep it charged. At full power, it delivers 357 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, which makes for an exciting ride. That's because the BMW i8 only weighs 3,455 lbs. With the ability to cruise 15 miles on battery alone, it makes for a good mix of city car & wild styling.A full convertible roof would require an extensive redesign of the chassis, so it looks like the i8 Roadster will arrive with a Targa top. The best of both worlds, they offer open-air motoring with the strength and safety of a coupe. This might coincide with the release of a revised i8 coupe with more power, but that is speculation at this point. The i3 and i8 represent the future of hybrid design, and they are worthy of a drive if you haven't experienced them. Our dealers will have more info on the new i8, so stay with us for all your BMW news.

By Andrew Nabors – June 26, 2017

Super Sedan Showdown: BMW M6 Gran Coupe vs Mercedes-AMG E63

If you have been considering a fast four-door, Germany is asking for your attention. In a battle as old as time, BMW's M6 and the AMG version of the Mercedes E-Class are among the most powerful cars on the market. Each offers a twin-turbo V8 with an automatic transmission, but only AMG offers the 4matic+ AWD system. It has an electronic center differential and a locking rear for optimal traction at all times.The M6 is rear wheel drive only, so the computer dials back the power to keep the rear tires from evaporating. So which car has the advantage in all-out acceleration? To answer this question, our friends at AutoTopNL filmed the speedometer of both machines. Unrestricted acceleration is still legal on many parts of the Autobahn, so hang on for a wild ride. A side by side comparison of the speedometers leaves no question as to who is faster, but the difference in performance is minimal. Take a look at each run and tell us which one you would choose in the comments below. Stay with us for more top speed action here on Autofluence.

By Andrew Nabors – May 09, 2017

How To Build A BMW M2 Drift Machine? LS Swap It

We stumbled across something wild back in August, but we couldn't comprehend it. BMW released the M2 for the European market last year, but it has taken some time for them to reach the US. SpeedHunters went to Latvia to reveal the secrets behind HGK Motorsports and their F22 Eurofighter. As one of the leaders in the drifting scene, their expertise has led to prolific success in fabrication and aftermarket parts.The new BMW M2 has an internal chassis code of F22, and Eurofighter is Europe's front line air defense jet. So if the name is a combination of US and European aircraft, what's under the hood? The following information will cause you to get fighting mad, or fill you with glee. HGK removed the brand new 3.0-liter straight six to lighten the nose. In its place is a 7.6-liter LS V8 from MAST motorsports. Turbos and superchargers are fine for most forms of racing, but drifting requires instant and brutal power. Horace Mast was the firs person to unlock GM's cam phaser tuning a few years ago, and his company has been building incredible LS power. The 466ci beast uses an aluminum block and 305cc LS7 heads to make 820 hp and 678 lb-ft of torque.Also Check Out - Woah: The BMW M8 Supercar is Actually HappeningA sequential transmission is the best way to keep power flowing, and the cooling system was moved to the trunk for protection and weight bias. No expense was spared, as the body was taken down to bare metal in order to improve on perfection. On top of the factory spot welds, each panel was fully stitch welded together for a strong unibody. This was needed to support the wide body fenders and bumper reinforcements. A quick-change differential is the best of both worlds, as long as you like the smell of 90wt. If you would like to do this yourself, our dealers have several M2s to choose from, and if you need a donor engine look for a used Cadillac CTS-V. Stay with us for more wild builds.RAW - HGK BMW F22 Eurofighter Run

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