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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 – May 19, 2020

Lamborghini Remains Committed to the Environment

Last year was unprecedented in Sant'Agata. The home of the Raging Bull saw an increase in deliveries from 5,750 to 8,205, an increase of 43% over the previous year. While most manufacturers would sacrifice green initiatives to meet such demand, Lamborghini remains committed to the environment. A press release earlier this morning reaffirms their efforts by using LED lighting throughout the factory and using water-based paint for almost all colors. The restaurant is plastic-free and all solvents used in production are channeled to a central scrubber before being burned. Otherwise they would float into the stratosphere to destroy ozone. Top 50 Best Exotic Cars & Supercars Of All Time Chairman & CEO Stefano Domenicali mentions their continued collaboration with "The Climate Reality Project" through an ongoing series of employee education meetings. This level of dedication is found in every aspect of all new Lamborghinis for sale, so click the button below to experience one for yourself and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 07, 2020

2021 Lamborghini Huracán EVO Rear-Wheel Drive Spyder Unve...

Remember the old days? When choosing a convertible meant a shaky ride and more weight? Thanks to Lamborghini, those sacrifices are a thing of the past. Because the Huracan was designed as a roadster from the beginning, adding a roof simply added a few lbs for those who prefer a coupe. For those of us who don't need AWD, the EVO lost its front axles last year. Now we come to the next logical model, as the 2021 Lamborghini Huracán EVO Rear-Wheel Drive Spyder has been unveiled. The party started this morning at 7 am using augmented reality. Anyone with a late-model Apple product could view every detail in full size. If not, here are the details. Behind the cockpit is the same V10 found in the EVO RWD Coupe. Because they only send power to the rear wheels, the computer limits power to 610 with 413 lb-ft of torque. To execute the perfect drift, the Performance Traction Control System makes sure torque is never abruptly denied to the rear differential. This flies in the logic of the nuisance nanny systems that seem to end your fun halfway around a corner. Lamborghini Huracan Evo Price, Specs, Photos & Review It will reach 62 mph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 201 mph. With a dry weight of 3,326 lbs, it will be nimble and comfortable. Magnetic ride control is an option, as is Lamborghini Dynamic Steering. It shares styling with the RWD coupe to differentiate it from its AWD siblings. Pricing in the U.S. will start at $229,428, so click the button below to order yours. Browse Lamborghini Huracan For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 01, 2020

Lamborghini Stands With Italy During Tough Times

Solidarity with your coworkers and your nation is the best way to overcome adversity. Ferruccio Lamborghini's birthday was on Wednesday, and we think he is looking down with a smile. That's because Lamborghini stands with Italy through tough times. While making1,400 surgical masks and 300 medical shields each day, they also found time to build the world's first analog lung simulator. Happy Birthday Mr. Lamborghini Production on protective gear will continue even while the assembly line restarts on Monday. To celebrate the triumph of Italy over the virus, an all-new Lamborghini will be released on Thursday. This dedication is unmatched in the automotive world, so that is why you need a Lamborghini for yourself. Click the button below to find yours and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 22, 2020

Dealer Details: Lamborghini Dallas

As the architect of the largest dealership of its kind in the United States, Lamborghini Dallas is bullish on Lamborghini and its storied pedigree. This high- performance dealership was the first for Lamborghini in Texas when it was established in 2003, and only the second Lamborghini-only dealership in the U.S. after Beverly Hills. Founded by tractor manufacturing magnate Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963, Lamborghini embodies the virility of unbridled performance tempered by refined artistry. Lamborghini took inspiration from the creations of Enzo Ferrari and was obsessed with crafting the perfect grand touring car, one that tempered Ferrari's racing-inspired road manners. In 1966 Lamborghini introduced the legendary Miura sports coupe, a car that established mid-engine design as the standard for high-performance sports cars. Over the ensuing decades, Lamborghini pioneered rakish, wedge-shaped sports car designs typified by the Countach (1974-1990) and the Diablo, the flagship Lamborghini through the 1990s. And such beauty wasn't only skin-deep. The Diablo was the world's fastest production car when it was introduced in 1990 Smitten by the power and majesty of fighting bulls, Ferruccio Lamborghini adopted a raging bull as the emblem for his automobiles. The Miura sports coupe was named for Don Eduardo Miura, a famed breeder of Spanish fighting bulls. The Diablo and the Murcielago were named for legendary bulls while the Gallardo, Spanish for "gallant," took its name from a celebrated breed of fighting bull. Boardwalk added Lamborghini Dallas to its auto group portfolio in 2006, relocating the dealership to its spacious Richardson facility in 2010. With a state-of-the-art Lamborghini showroom, factory-certified service facility and parts depot, and Lamborghini accessories boutique, Lamborghini Dallas is dedicated to the performance legacy of the famed raging bull. Browse Inventory Contact Lamborghini Dallas Website: https://www.lamborghinidallas.com/Phone: 866-205-9328Address: 601 S. Central Expressway Richardson, TX 75080

Automobile Production At Czech Republic's Hyundai Motor Co. Plant

By Andrew Nabors – April 15, 2020

Audi, Hyundai & Renault to Resume Production

Europe wants and needs to get back to work. That's everyone is happy to read the latest headline from Bloomberg. Last night they reported that Audi, Hyundai, & Renault are ready to resume production. Because suppliers are still closed, each automaker is taking a cautious approach. Audi's engine plant in Hungary is one of the largest in the world. Because they supply engines to Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, they are the most essential workers in the VW empire. Hyundai will start up their assembly lines in the Czech Republic on Monday, running 2 shifts instead of 3. Last but not least. Renault has resumed operations in Portugal, and their plants in Romania are planned to restart on Tuesday. Our hope is that these brave actions will jump-start the economy, so stay with us for all your automotive news. Shop Exotic Cars For Sale

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By Andrew Nabors – April 09, 2020

Lamborghini North Los Angeles Offers More Than you Could ...

Traveling east from Ventura on the 101, you will notice an amazing display of new Lamborghini models, including the flagship Lamborghini Aventador S & SVJ, EVO Coupe & Spyder and a great selection of the new Urus Super SUV (SSUV). Make a stop in Calabasas and you will also find an incredible offering of pre-owned Raging Bulls awaiting you. 2018 Huracan Performante Spyder View Details With rates competitive with the other authorized Lamborghini dealers, Lamborghini financing's best incentives are available at Lamborghini North Los Angeles. With these lending and lease options, shoppers feel at ease, worry-free, and satisfied with their purchase. 2015 Aventador View Details Lamborghini North Los Angeles isn't only a place for those in the market for a new Lamborghini. It has also evolved in the go-to spot for Lamborghini owners. Our fans have noted their car service and maintenance center, is both convenient and competent. 2015 Huracan View Details It doesn't stop there-- Lamborghini North Los Angeles also hosts an array of services to personalize or enhance your Lamborghini driving experience. Just ask about their auto parts and accessories department to see what we mean. 2014 Gallardo LP 560-2 50th Anniversario View Details Still not clear about why so many trust Lamborghini North Los Angeles for all of their Lamborghini needs? Visit the dealership at 24050 Ventura Blvd Calabasas, California and find out for yourself! 2019 Huracan Performante Spyder View Details Contact Lamborghini North Los Angeles Website: https://www.lamborghinila.com/Phone: 866-476-5720Address: 24050 Ventura BlvdCalabasas, CA 91302

By Andrew Nabors – March 26, 2020

Lamborghini Teases 2021 Squadra Corse V12 Hypercar

Driving your new Lamborghini Aventador on the street is exhilarating and rewarding. But you will never approach the limits of this raging bull on public roads. If you want to tame the meanest machines from Sant Agata, the track is waiting for you. That is why Lamborghini has teased their 2021 Squadra Corse V12 hypercar. The first rule is: Don't call it an Aventador. While they share the same lineage, the V12 is a track-only hypercar. In the latest press release from Squadra Corse, we learned it offers 830 horsepower. It is in the late stages of development as a collaboration between Squadra Corse and Centro Stile Lamborghini. Massive intakes, air ducts, and a few locking differentials will make for a fun track day, so click the button below to learn more from our dealers. Browse All Lamborghini For Sale " width="680">

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By Andrew Nabors – March 26, 2020

O'Gara Beverly Hills Announces Supercar Sanitization Service

While it is safest to stay at home, essentials like you and I have to keep our economy afloat. Needless to say, with all the empty roads, life is too short to putt around in your daily driver. Your nice cars deserve to be driven, and its also a great time for spring cleaning. That's why our friends at O'Gara Beverly Hills have announced their Supercar Sanitization Service in their latest Instagram photos. Open to all brands they represent, a service technician will arrive in protective gear to keep their paws off your parts. The car will be transported to the dealer to perform any needed service, then thoroughly cleaned. Using dry steam throughout the interior along with a full vacuum and wipe-down, your leather, microfiber and carpet will look like new. All you need to do is email servicebeverlyhills@ogaracoach.com or call 888-308-5522. Click Here To Schedule Service " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 11, 2020

Lamborghini Launches New Website

With a growing portfolio and unprecedented sales, the web team in Sant Agata decided they needed a new interface with their clientele. After building a new configurator for each model, they incorporated their blog (Lamborghini World) along with a merchandise store and a motorsports landing page. We have reached out to Valentino Balboni to see if he has tested the site, so in the meantime click the button below to find your new Lamborghini for sale. Browse All Lamborghini For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – January 21, 2020

Lamborghini Veneno Roadster Heading to RM Sotheby's Paris...

Heading to RM Sotheby's upcoming Paris auction is the second of nine Lamborghini Veneno Roadsters ever built. It comes with just 450 km ( 279.6 miles) from new and has had only two owners from new. RM Sotheby's points out that one of the owners was actually a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family. This example of the extreme Veneno Roadster is finished in a Matte Black paint with green trimming found around the body. Inside is a lime green and black leather interior that matches to the aggressive body. If you're unaware of its powertrain, it boasts a 6.5-liter V12 engine that pushes out 750 horsepower. RM Sotheby's is expecting it to sell for an estimated €4,500,000 - €5,500,000 (around $4,990,000 - $6,100,000 USD). The auction will take place on February 5, 2020. For more information, click here. SEE ALL LAMBORGHINIS FOR SALE Image Source: Alex Penfold © 2019 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's

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