Aftermarket

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 Jordan Aquistapace – December 18, 2023

NOVITEC Debuts The ESTESO Widebody Kit For The Lamborghin...

As aftermarket upgrades and custom conversions have become the ongoing trend amongst supercar owners across the globe, some of our favorite Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren models have become completely transformed thanks to leading performance specialists like NOVITEC. While customizing cars has traditionally been viewed as a way of diminishing their value, NOVITEC's long-standing history with OEMs has given the brand the recognition and reputation that celebrates its collection of upgrade options. Today, NOVITEC is proud to announce the addition of its all-new ESTESO widebody conversion kit for the Lamborghini Urus S and Performante super-SUVs. The ESTESO design widens the Urus models significantly, adding more than ten centimeters at the front and twelve at the rear axle. This expansion paves the way for an impressive NOVITEC wheel and tire combination. NOVITEC partnered with the wheel specialists at Vossen to develop the new NOVITEC NL5 style. The 23-inch rims, crafted using advanced forging and CNC machining technologies, feature five Y-shaped spokes for optimal strength and low weight. They are wrapped in high-performance tires, sized 285/35 R 23 at the front and 325/30 R 23 at the rear, perfectly filling out the new fender flares. The Urus Performante's ride height is reduced by approximately 25 millimeters thanks to NOVITEC sports springs, while the Urus S receives a similar adjustment through the NOVITEC suspension module. The ESTESO rocker panels between the wheel arches not only enhance aerodynamics but also give the SUV a more grounded, elongated look. For those seeking an even more aggressive appearance, NOVITEC offers tailor-made naked-carbon components. These include trim elements for the front fenders and side mirror housings, a front spoiler, and additional carbon trim to reduce front-axle lift at high speeds. The rear of the Urus is equally impressive, with ESTESO flares blending seamlessly into the bumper, a new rear diffuser, and matte black tailpipes. A naked-carbon race roof spoiler and rear lip spoiler complete the look. NOVITEC also boosts the Urus's performance, with various tuning stages for the twin-turbocharged V8 engine controlled by a NOVITEC N-TRONIC module that adds injection, boost pressure, and ignition. In its fullest form, the NOVITEC ESTESO Widebody outperforms the stock version with an additional 116 horsepower. This results in 782 horsepower and a peak torque of 761 lb-ft, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60mph in just 3.1 seconds. View all current Lamborghini Urus models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lamborghini Urus For Sale Source: NOVITEC

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 27, 2023

MANSORY Unveils New Lamborghini Urus-Based Venatus S

MANSORY transforms the new Lamborghini Urus S & Urus Performante into the 900hp Venatus S. MANSORY, a renowned name in automotive customization, has once again set a new benchmark in the world of luxury SUVs. Their latest offering, the MANSORY Venatus S, based on the 2024 Lamborghini Urus S and the Urus Performante, is a complete vehicle conversion that exemplifies high-end modification. The Venatus S is a rare gem in the automotive world, especially with a limited "Launch Edition" of just nine units. Each of these exclusive vehicles boasts a carbon roof as standard, setting them apart in the luxury off-roader segment. The Lamborghini Urus, already a popular choice for high-end modifications, serves as the perfect canvas for MANSORY's latest creation. This launch follows the successful introduction of the MANSORY Venatus EVO C, aslso based on the Lamborghini Urus, earlier in the year. A key feature of the Venatus S is its striking bodywork. The front end impresses with a carbon fiber finish, and the ultra-light hood features visible carbon fiber with additional cooling air outlets. The front apron has been redesigned, incorporating star-shaped daytime running lights that add a distinct flair. The MANSORY side skirts extend the design language, making the SUV appear more robust, lower, and elongated. The rear of the Venatus S is just as impressive. A double spoiler, entirely made of carbon fiber, is engineered to reduce lift at the rear axle. This spoiler is available in two sizes and adds to the vehicle's dynamic appearance. The rear apron with a diffuser complements the newly shaped tailpipes of the sports exhaust system, further enhancing the SUV's aesthetics with additional carbon components. The Venatus S also features the 24-inch "YN.5 Air" alloy wheels, a fusion of sportiness and technical elegance. This 7-spoke design aids in the optimum ventilation of the brake system and underscores the dynamic character of the SUV. The wheel and tire combination perfectly fills the front and rear wheel arches, adding to the vehicle's commanding presence. Under the hood, the Venatus S is powered by the Lamborghini Urus's twin-turbo V8 engine, significantly modified by MANSORY. With a new engine management system and a high-volume sports exhaust system, the SUV now boasts an astounding 900 horsepower and 811 lb/ft of torque. These enhancements propel the Venatus S to a maximum speed of 202 mph, reaching 0-60 in a mere 2.9 seconds. The interior of the Venatus S is highly customizable, with a range of options for color, quilting, and carbon design. Unique features include MANSORY logo seat belts, sports aluminium pedals, leather floor mats, ambient lighting, and a specially designed start button in the headliner. These details ensure that each Venatus S reflects the individual tastes and preferences of its owner. In total, the new transformed Lamborghini Urus from MANSORY is a statement of exclusivity and high-performance engineering. With its limited production run, bespoke design elements, and unparalleled power, the Venatus S is set to become a coveted masterpiece in the world of luxury vehicles. View All Lamborghini Urus For Sale Image Source: MANSORY

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 18, 2023

Mansory Reveals A New Front-Engined Lamborghini Coupe

This unique take on the Lamborghini Urus is stranger than fiction. It might sound absolutely ridiculous, but it’s true: the new Venatus Coupe Evo C from aftermarket house Mansory is real and it is absolutely bonkers. It started life as Lamborghini’s popular and powerful Urus, the SUV that defied convention and took the Lamborghini brand to places it’s never gone before. However, Mansory decided to take the Urus where it’s never gone before, as it does with plenty of the most powerful and luxurious vehicles it can get its hands on. Known for tuning, body kits, and a very distinguished sense of style, Mansory has quite the portfolio of zanily wondrous and exorbitant automobiles, and this one manages to stand out even among that crowd. MUST READ: The BLACKLAKE XT1: An Off-Road Masterpiece Once you manage to comprehend the Venatus Coupe Evo C’s pairing of iridescence with exposed carbon fiber, you’ll notice that unlike its original Lamborghini, it features only two doors. The front doors are lengthened, and the B-pillar moved back, and paired with that is an aggressive, widening body kit and new Mansory wheels. However, Mansory didn’t just have crazy looks to offer to the Urus, but also crazy performance. The powertrain achieves 900 horsepower and 811 lb/ft of torque, and Mansory says that it’ll reach 200 mph. It’s quite safe to say that the new Mansory Venatus Coupe Evo C is like few other vehicles on the road, especially since only 8 will be made. View All Lamborghini Urus For Sale Source: Mansory

By Edward Jones – September 11, 2019

Lamborghini Urus Receives Upgrades from Novitec

Novitec Group has just introduced a new slew of products for the Lamborghini Urus that adds quite a bit of flare and power. Their new performance kits for the Urus crank the power up to 782 horsepower (+132 hp) and 761 lb-ft of torque (+134 lb-ft). This power brings the 0 to 60 mph time down to 3.3 seconds. see all lamborghini urus for sale They have also introduced 14 new body components for the Urus that give the Super SUV a widebody makeover. To further their enhancements for the Urus, Novitec also has new tire/wheel combinations that work with or without the widebody conversion. For the wheels, Novitec worked with Vossen to develop new wheels sized 10.5Jx23 at the front and 12Jx23 in the rear. Of course, Novitec also has the ability to create exclusive interiors for their clients. Also Check Out: BRABUS at IAA 2019 in Frankfurt RENNtech: From Great to AWESOME!

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