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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 16, 2018

Lamborghini Aventador vs Kia Forte...

The North American Auto Show in Detroit has generated big news for the 2019 model year. Ford unleashed a new Bullitt Mustang, Chevy's new Silverado is getting a straight-six diesel, and Kia launched the 3rd generation Forte. Moving away from being Hyundai's economy brand, the new Forte is a great deal for a family sedan. So in order to show off its standard features, they called out Lamborghini for a comparison with the Aventador.Need Room For Something New? Sell Your Car Here!Built for safety in any situation, the Forte's structure is 54% high-strength steel. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual, but KIA's first CVT is optional. The interior has been moved rearward by adding 6" ahead of the firewall. This makes for a short trunk that covers 15 cubic feet of cargo space. Nobody buys an Aventador for its practicality, but if you have the means to afford one we recommend the Kia as a great daily driver. You can't deny the 10-year warranty & six-speed stick. Stay with us for more great comparisons here on Autofluence.Browse Aventadors For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=19&v=m7L9XRfGULo

By Andrew Nabors – July 05, 2017

This is the Final Lamborghini Aventador SV

The market for supercars in Scotland is probably devoid of English models, so the Italians have gained control of the Highlands. Lamborghini Edinburgh have become a force to reckon with, not only in Europe but across the civilized world. As the host of high profile events, they have gained a social media following that rivals the most prominent exotic dealers. That's probably how they were able to order and receive the final Lamborghini Aventador SV. The limited production Super Veloce is lighter and faster than a "normal" Aventador. Changes to the exhaust system and computer tuning unlock 740 horsepower and 509 lb-ft of torque. Capable of reaching 217 miles per hour, only 500 Roadsters and 600 coupes were built.To make sure the series ended with a bang, the dealership worked with the factory to build a car for the ages. Their Facebook page says the car is the result of countless late nights and several trips to Italy. Their efforts have yielded the only Aventador to be finished in Porsche 918 Liquid Metal. The brilliant metallic blue is a mile deep thanks to 12 coats of paint. Color sanding a dozen coats of paint will give you arms of steel, but it requires dedication not found anywhere else in the industry. Every inch of carbon fiber that is normally exposed was also painted to make this SV truly unique. If you missed the chance to order one to your liking, our dealers have several new Aventador SV's for sale. Go against the crowd and make it your own, and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news.

By Edward Jones – February 15, 2017

All Lamborghini Venenos Being Recalled

The few owners of the Lamborghini Veneno will have to take their ultra-rare supercars into the shop very soon, thanks to a recall issued for the cars. The recall was posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Tuesday and was reported on by Bloomberg.com.In this recall, all Venenos and around 1,500 Aventadors in the United States are said to be at risk. At risk for what exactly? The NHTSA notes a possible fault in the fuel system that could lead to a possible fire. In total, about 5,900 Aventadors are being recalled worldwide for this fault.(Lamborghini Veneno Powerslides Around Wet Track)The Aventadors included in this recall include models produced between March 22, 2011 and December 5, 2016. This also includes all limited editions, such as the "Anniversario, Miura Homage, Pirelli Edition; Super Veloce and the projects in-ternally denominated “One-shot,” according to the Safety Recall Report.If you believe your car is affected by this recall, be sure to contact your local authorized Lamborghini dealership as soon as possible.Lamborghini For Sale Related Video:

By Andrew Nabors – December 19, 2016

Lamborghini Aventador S Revealed: More Power and Four-Whe...

Even the best knives need occasional sharpening, so Lamborghini have rolled out an updated version of their flagship: the Aventador S. Last week a teaser video was released on YouTube making us wonder what was coming, and many of you were just as stumped as we were. By carefully studying the efficiency of the engine's air flow, the variable camshaft timing and intake manifolds have been massaged to deliver 740 horsepower. The Aventador S arrives with 740 hp and 509 lb-ft of torque. A top speed of 217 mph is achieved by raising the red line from 8,350 to a screaming 8,500 rpm. The engine enhancements are a logical evolution of their potent V12, but other changes took us by surprise. It will be Lamborghini's first production car with rear wheel steering. While they didn't go into specifics on how many degrees the rear wheels will be able to move, it is a clear response to another Italian flagship with a similar system.Quick Specs: 740 Horsepower 509 lb-ft of torque 217 mph Top Speed $421,350 Price With more power and steering response, Aventador S needed more grip. The new front end has a more aggressive splitter to keep air from going under the car, and two giant scoops to cool the brakes. The front end has 130% more downforce, and the revised rear has up to 400% more thanks to a new spoiler. To cool the more powerful engine, most of the rear body has been redesigned to force more air across the radiators. Increasing grip puts more stress on the tires, so Pirelli has delivered a new version of the P-Zero. On the inside, a new gauge cluster has multiple display modes to keep you informed. Apple CarPlay is now standard equipment, along with magnetic shocks. Production will begin soon, with a base price of $421,350. Since the Aventador SV will remain the hardcore model, Aventador S will offer something for everyone. For more information please contact our dealers in the link below, and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Aventador For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 09, 2016

New, More Powerful Lamborghini Aventador on the Way

Five years after its unveiling back in 2011, the Lamborghini Aventador is getting a refresh. According to Autocar.co.uk, who received an invite for the unveiling of the car, posted an article yesterday that talks about the upcoming Aventador S.They wrote that the invite they received describes the car as having a "new design, superior power and a mix of advanced technologies." The car's launch will happen at the Ricardo Tormo Formula 1 track in January of next year. The invite noted that this track would allow Lamborghini to display the car's "active technology".(Related - BMW Regrets Trying to Race Lamborghini Huracan)Unfortunately, power numbers for the car were not given, but Autocar suggests that it will likely have a tune that's along the lines of the Centenario. This means we could ballpark the power at around 760 hp, but this is just pure speculation.Stay with Autofluence for more information on the Lamborghini Aventador S as it's released.All Lamborghini Aventador For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 09, 2016

Legendary Valentino Balboni Creates Exhaust for Aventador SV

Italian artisans are trained to make works of art by using traditional methods. Lamborghini's latest Aventador SV is just such a creation, but all modern production exhausts are mass-produced using automation to save time. In his career as Lamborghini's chief test driver, Valentino Balboni spent 35 years ensuring the quality and performance of the brand. Having driven 80% of their total production, he probably has a few opinions on how the V12 should sound.If you want your new Aventador SV to be the loudest car for miles, simply unbolt your factory system. Straight pipes hurt performance at cruising speeds and might provoke attention from the authorities. If you demand the best for your car, Valentino's new system is the most beautiful aftermarket creation we've ever seen. Rejecting the mass production methods of automated pipe benders, he chose to have master welders fabricate each bend with individual tig welds.Using the latest in titanium alloys, each mirror-imaged system takes 350 hours to build. Billet titanium hangers in the factory locations require no modifications to your rare car. Probably the lightest bolt-on exhaust ever offered, both sides add up to 13.8 lbs. Only 30 examples will be produced, with each set polished to a mirror shine. For more information and beautiful images, head over to his new website. And if you need an Aventador SV to attach to this system, be sure to check out listings from our dealers below.Lamborghini Aventador SV For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 23, 2016

Revealed: Lamborghini Aventador Miura Homage Special Edition

Lamborghini continues its dedication to the Miura with a special edition Aventador. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic V12 supercar, Lamborghini unveiled a newly re-envisioned museum the same day they sent of 50 Miuras for the annual Miura tour. But that wasn't enough, of course.The Italian supercar producer is making a statement of tribute with this special edition Aventador Miura Homage. Just 50 examples of the newly minted tribute will see production, most of which are already sold. Lamborghini Aventador Miura Homage Specs Engine: 6.5-liter V12 Horsepower: 700 hp 0-60: 2.9 seconds Top Speed: 217 Torque: 509 lb-ft The exterior stays loyal to the original Miura with a two-toned finish. Like the Miura, which was customized in a multitude of color combinations, the upper body color is complimented by a lower body color on the Aventador. Six of the most popular Miura color combinations, a mixture of solid and metallic finishes, will adorn the 50 Aventador Miura Homage units. Additionally, 20' or 21' Dion matte gold or silver rims will compliment the body.Owners are greeted by a full leather interior and have two color options: Nero Ade or Terra Emilia. The interior will also feature a carbon fiber package and two-tone stitching. The upper section of the seats will be adorned with a gold or silver Miura 50th logo.This special edition Aventador will first be shown at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom in June. It will continue to make appearances at subsequent Lamborghini events.Lamborghini Aventadors for Sale

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