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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 Edward Jones – April 10, 2017

Stuntman Front Flips Over BMW i8

If you're a stuntman that can do massive front flips, why wouldn't you do a front flip over a BMW i8? Well, that's what this Russian stuntman did.It looks like a group of friends got together to set up a pretty crazy car stunt in a parking lot. Two guys are in a blue i8, driving towards their stuntman friend that's running right at them. At the last possible moment, the stuntman leaps into the air and does a front flip right over the BMW sports car. If you look closely, you can see just how close his head was to the rear of the car. If someone jumping over a car looks familiar, that's probably because you watched " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> back in 2008. You can see the flip for yourself in the video below (skip to 24 minutes for the actual jump.)Now the question is if you COULD front flip high enough to get over a car, would you do it? I mean, the timing and everything would have to be perfect, otherwise...Let me know in the comments below!

By Edward Jones – February 02, 2017

German Drag Race: BMW M3 vs Mercedes-AMG A45

There are plenty of rivals in the automotive world, whether it be between manufacturers, models or even drivers. One of the greatest rivalries has to be between Mercedes-Benz and BMW, two German companies that are constantly competing against each other.(Dodge Challenger Hellcat vs Ford Mustang GT350)Archie Hamilton Racing recently took this rivalry to the tarmac and pitted two cars together in different races. The cars in the race were an M3 and an A45 AMG. The races included one from a stop, which gave the A45 and its launch control the advantage. After this drag race came the rolls races from 30 mph and 50 mph.Check out the video below to see who wins the race! BMW M3 For Sale | Mercedes-Benz For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 30, 2017

Learn All About the BMW 5 Series - E60

Many manufacturers are focused on the future in order to keep the public on the edge of their seats. But BMW doesn't move forward without considering the successes of the past. It's hard to comprehend how much the 2003-2009 (internally known as E60) generation of the 5 Series changed the world, and its design is nothing short of timeless. No matter what part of the automotive hobby you enjoy, everyone knows someone who has owned an E60. As a logical choice for E46 fans who need more space, the E60 was built in Sedan and Wagon (Touring). The flagship model was the M5, and it was powered by a 500 hp naturally aspirated V10 ax murderer. Worthy of a history lesson on its own, we will cover it another day.(Related - BMW Unveils Their Weirdest Car Yet, And It Drives Itself)In searching for the perfect E60, you have two primary options to consider. Do you like your power in the form of a twin turbocharged 3.0 liter straight six, or from a 4.8 liter V8? Back when most people could still drive stick, a six-speed manual was offered on both the 535 and the 550. Relatively light by contemporary standards, the E60 is a blast to drive. Well optioned examples can be found for a bargain, which is one of the reasons why the aftermarket has embraced them. Many 535 owners have discovered the potential of E85 fuel and are making over 400 hp at the wheels. No less than 25 engine options were produced to meet regulations around the world. If you need a new daily driver, the 5 Series is a safe & smart choice. Our dealers have plenty to choose from, so enjoy the film and take a look at the listings below.Luxury Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 11, 2017

Jay Leno Drives V8 BMW 1M Clone and it Sounds Like a Dream

Engine swaps are not easy. Even replacing a stock rebuild is complicated by the interconnected nature of modern cars. So what happens when you outgrow the power limits of your block? Most enthusiasts choose to sell their cars for something faster, and to be honest that is why duPont REGISTRY exists. But for those who have formed an emotional bond to their automobile, a larger engine is the only way to go. Many BMW purists were shocked when the E92 series M3 was introduced with a 4.0 liter V8. Another point of confusion was the limited sales of the 1M in the US. Not to be confused with the legendary M1, the 1M coupe was a compact & nimble machine powered by a twin turbocharged straight six.BMW E90/E92/E93 For SaleLess than a thousand examples were sold in the US, so building a clone from a lesser equipped 1 series seems like a logical choice. Given the ample engine bay needed to house an inline six cylinder and two turbos, one California enthusiast dismantled his 135i and endowed it with the drivetrain from an E92 M3. Leaving the V8 in stock form would have been completely acceptable, but Dinan's 4.6-liter stroker kit was too hard to resist. So as long as you are building a new engine, go ahead and integrate the A/C, stability system and traction control? Add a roll cage and carbon fiber wheels and you have a supercar. We don't want to see the final bill for the time and parts involved, but we enjoy tiny cars with giant power. Tell us your favorite engine swap in the comments below, and LS owners please respect your German friends. Stay with us for more clips from Jay Leno's Garage.F80 BMW For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 05, 2016

BMW Regrets Trying to Race Lamborghini Huracan

Sometimes I come across racing videos that show the underdog taking the win. But sometimes the race goes exactly as planned.In a video uploaded to YouTube today by GTBOARD.com, we get to see what happens when an unfortunate BMW driver takes on a Lamborghini Huracan. The German automobile in question is a BMW M5 (F10) with a few modifications (ECU, downpipes, exhaust). As for the Huracan, no modifications were mentioned.(Also Watch - Not Even Close: Cadillac CTS-V vs Porsche 911 GT3 RS)The two cars lined up on the straight, preparing to race from a roll. Once they hit the starting line, the Huracan takes off and doesn't look back. Some commenters on the video were pointing out that something was off in the race and that the BMW might need a bit more work. Check out the video below and let me know what you think the owner of the M5 should do to his car to make it more competitive against the Huracan.All BMW M5 For Sale | All Lamborghini Huracan For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 05, 2016

BMW M5 Races Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifolgio on Autobahn

Here in America, we dream of driving on the Autobahn and taking our cars to their limits. Why? Because in the States there's no span of road quite like Autobahn-- beautiful, spacious and with no speed limits (granted, some stretches of the road actually do have speed restrictions). For this reason, I'm envious of AutoTopNL, a YouTube channel that constantly uploads videos of them taking our dream cars to their limits on the Autobahn.(Related - Lamborghini Huracan Going 212 mph on the Autobahn)In their latest video, the channel took the BMW M5 (F10) out for a spin against the new Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. I'm no exactly sure just how fast they ended up going, but both cars have the ability to hit some high speeds. However, in the second video found below, they did attempt to hit the top speed of the Giulia, which is 190 mph.Check both videos out and remember to always follow your local traffic laws. These videos were filmed on the Autobahn, not your local road.View All BMW M5 For Sale | View All Alfa Romeo Giulia For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 28, 2016

Who Wins? Porsche 718 Cayman S vs BMW M2

If you thought small sporty coupes are a dying breed, think again. Germany is offering big performance from their smallest cars, so Autocar decided to put them to the test. BMW's latest M2 is a 2.9-liter single turbo straight six rated at 365 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The opponent is Porsche's new 718 series Cayman S. It's a 2.5-liter turbo four which is mounted right behind the cockpit. It may be lacking by 20 hp and 59 lb-ft of torque, but will the mid-mounted design offer more grip? (Related - Who Wins the World's Greatest Drag Race?) Another variable is added with having to perform shifts at the proper time.You might not believe that both cars have six-speed manual transmissions, no silly paddles here. One of the major difference is in target audience: The M2 has rear seats. They may be small, but insurance premiums and family life are more forgiving in the 2+2 world. Will a flat four beat a straight six? You might be surprised, so make sure to check them out in person at our local dealers.

By Edward Jones – July 07, 2016

America vs Germany: Ford Mustang GT vs BMW M2

"American brawn meets European precision," notes the announcer in EVO's latest video that pits the Ford Mustang 5.0 GT against the BMW M2.American brawn = 5.0-liter V8 engine (410 bhp and 391 lb-ft of torque) and a six-speed transmissionEuropean precision = Twin-turbo 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (365 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque) and an M Double-Clutch transmissionSure, one quick peek at those specs and it's obvious that the Mustang GT is home to more power than the M2. But, what I didn't include is the weight of both cars, which can make or break drag races. For the Mustang GT, it reads 3,772 lbs when it steps on a scale. As for the M2, it weighs in at 3,351, significantly lower than the Mustang. Is this difference in power enough to give the M2 an edge in a race from a dig? Click play below to find out.Mustangs For Sale | M2s For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 07, 2016

Tesla Model S and BMW i8 Face Off on Autobahn

When testing out the speed and acceleration of a vehicle, the Autobahn is the perfect place to do so. In the video below, AutoTopNL decided to pitch the BMW i8 against the Tesla Model S in Ludicrous mode.The electric and hybrid motors go head to head to see which one accelerates faster and which one has a higher top speed. If you could guess, which one do you think accelerates to top speed faster? Here are the specs on each vehicle.Tesla Model S P90 D Specs Engine: Electric Horsepower: 469 or 539 (Ludicrous) 0-60: 3.3 seconds or 3.0 seconds (Ludicrous) Top Speed: 145 mph BMW i8 Specs Engine: 1.5-liter 3-cylinder Horsepower: 362 combined 0-60: 4.4 seconds Top Speed: 145 mph The Tesla Model S is known for its unprecedented performance among electric motors, but can it beat out a hybrid when put to the test? Check out the full video below and let us know what you think. Did you guess correctly as to which would win? Tesla Model S For SaleBMW i8 For Sale

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