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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 Jordan Aquistapace – August 28, 2024

1-of-19 2021 Lamborghini Sián Roadster Finished In Grigio...

A rare opportunity to own 1 of 19 Lamborghini Sián Roadster units worldwide!

By duPont Registry – March 13, 2024

Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato Price, Specs & Photos

Off-road ability and supercar style come together.

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 13, 2023

Lamborghini Squadra Corse & Iron Lynx Accelerate SC63 LMD...

Lamborghini Squadra Corse and Iron Lynx intensify development with a three-day test in Spain, featuring Factory Drivers Andrea Caldarelli and Romain Grosjean. Making its triumphant return to the world of endurance racing, Lamborghini Squadra Corse continues the development of its upcoming SC63 LMDh prototype contender. Lamborghini Squadra Corse and Iron Lynx have just wrapped up an intense three-day testing session for their prototype race car at the Circuito de Almería in Spain. This round of testing sets the stage for the car’s debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship 2024 season, set to kick off in Qatar next March. Factory Drivers Andrea Caldarelli and Romain Grosjean were behind the wheel, marking Grosjean’s first time driving the SC63. Over three days at the 2.6-mile circuit, the main focus was on reliability and procedural tests. Technicians from Lamborghini and Iron Lynx were tuned in to observe long runs to learn more about the prototype's capabilities. The single chassis used during the test managed to cover almost 1,250 miles, meeting its pre-test targets. The event also served as a platform for Squadra Corse and Iron Lynx technicians to test out Full Corse Yellow and related restart strategies. Grosjean, who recently participated in select endurance events in the WeatherTech IMSA Sports Car Championship with Iron Lynx, took his turn at the SC63 alongside Caldarelli. The two professional drivers divided the mileage equally, offering a collaborative approach to the testing process. Grosjean conveyed enormous enthusiasm about his experience, noting the car performed admirably from the first laps. The testing journey for the SC63 isn’t over yet. Next week, the team will proceed with another round of tests in Europe before taking the development stateside. There, the Lamborghini Iron Lynx test team will continue the homologation process by IMSA and conduct additional tests on North American tracks. View all Lamborgini models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lamborghini For Sale Source: Automobili Lamborghini

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 12, 2023

Lamborghini's Ad Personam Studio Expands For A Tailored C...

Lamborghini's Ad Personam Studio doubles its space to offer a cutting-edge “phygital” experience. The allure of configuring a dream supercar or hypercar comes with the ability to customize every finish and feature to match the owner's personality. The creative specialists at Automobili Lamborghini continue to evolve the luxury customer experience by expanding its Ad Personam Studio. Situated at the brand's headquarters in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy, the newly renovated studio offers an immersive 'phygital' experience that brings together the physical and digital realms. Since its start in 2016, the studio has more than doubled in size, signifying how crucial customer personalization has become to the Lamborghini brand and its sales. The remodel goes beyond just adding space, enhancing the quality of the personalization process by scheduling future reservations for global clientele. The studio now incorporates cutting-edge tools that allow customers to interact with upholstery materials, listen to engine sounds, and view exclusive multimedia content on a special power wall. The journey begins at Lamborghini dealerships worldwide, where customers start by defining their supercar's general elements. From there, they are invited to the Ad Personam Studio to dive into a world of infinite customization possibilities. The options range from "Ad Personam essential," which expands on basic color and trim configurations, to "One Shot" customization that fulfills client-specific requests, including the use of unique or non-automotive materials. In addition, two other Ad Personam areas have been set up at Lamborghini Lounges in New York and Tokyo, further expanding the reach of this exceptional customization experience. For those who prefer digital configurations, Lamborghini offers an Ad Personam Virtual Studio where initial digital meetings occur. This expansion is just one part of the ongoing evolution of the Ad Personam program, which has plans to introduce additional customization options for the Lamborghini Urus. View all Lamborghini models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lamborghini For Sale Source: Automobili Lamborghini

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 25, 2023

Automobili Lamborghini x Razer Debut Its New Blade 16 Gam...

Razer collaborates with Automobili Lamborghini to launch the Razer Blade 16 x Automobili Lamborghini Edition gaming laptop. When two titans from different industries collaborate, it's no surprise that the result is often groundbreaking. Razer, the global lifestyle brand for gamers, is teaming up with Automobili Lamborghini to launch a revolutionary automotive-inspired gaming laptop. Limited to just 150 individually numbered units available exclusively in the U.S., the Razer Blade 16 x Automobili Lamborghini Edition is the epitome of luxury, performance, and raw power. Showcased in Lamborghini’s signature Arancio Apodis orange and matte black paint, the laptop's base is CNC-milled from a single block of aluminum. The Blade 16's core is equally powerful, with a 13th Gen Intel Core i9 HX processor boasting a max clock speed of 5.5 GHz. Paired with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU, it redefines gaming capabilities and creative potential. A dual-mode Mini-LED Display ensures absolute visual clarity whether you're designing or gaming. The laptop comes pre-loaded with exclusive perks like a 30-day Game Pass trial and the official GT World Race Challenge video game, Assetto Corsa Competizione. With exceptional performance and luxury, the Razer Blade 16 x Automobili Lamborghini Edition is sure to become a collector's item for tech aficionados and Lamborghini enthusiasts alike. The all-new Razer Blade 16 x Automobili Lamborghini Edition is currently available for $4,999 by clicking the link below. Shop Razer x Automobili Lamborghini Source: Razer

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 22, 2023

2023 Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato For Sale With $50K+ In ...

Lamborghini’s new off-roading icon is shown at its finest.

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 20, 2023

Lamborghini Teams Up With Photographer Anton Corbijn On A...

Renowned photographer Anton Corbijn collaborates with Lamborghini and the all-new hybrid V12 Revuelto. Lamborghini's new hybrid V12 Revuelto has now been immortalized through the lens of Anton Corbijn, one of the world's greatest photographers. Known for his work with iconic musicians like David Bowie and U2, Corbijn took on a subject less frequented in his portfolio: the world of high-performance supercars. The two-day photoshoot took place in the stunning Dolomite mountains, marking a fusion of top-tier automotive engineering and artistic mastery. As Lamborghini celebrates its 60th anniversary, the Revuelto stands as a pioneer of innovation and performance. With a groundbreaking 'mono fuselage' made of carbon fiber, the car features an impressive 6.5L V12 engine assisted by three electric motors. This configuration ramps up the total power output to an astounding 1,001 horsepower, positioning the Revuelto as the pinnacle of what's currently achievable in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Lamborghini's hometown. Anton Corbijn's involvement serves as the cherry on top for the Revuelto's launch. Famous for his work in music photography and filmmaking, Corbijn brings an authentic touch that resonates with Lamborghini's values of pushing boundaries. His experience spans several decades, shaping the aesthetics of bands like Depeche Mode and giving life to award-winning films such as "Control" and "A Most Wanted Man." Now, with this collaboration, Lamborghini and Corbijn have blended the worlds of automotive innovation and artistic expression, ensuring that the Revuelto isn't just a car, but a moving piece of art. View all Lamborghini models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lamborghini For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 18, 2023

Lamborghini Celebrates 60 Years With A Giro Polo Storico ...

Lamborghini marks its 60th anniversary with a stunning tour featuring classic Lamborghinis. In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Automobili Lamborghini organized an epic road trip called the "Giro Polo Storico." Spanning four days and traversing northern Italy’s breathtaking regions, this event convened Lamborghini owners and enthusiasts from around the globe. With a lineage of vehicles from the 350 GT to the Diablo 6.0 SE, the tour exemplifies a vivid timeline of Lamborghini’s storied history. The event kicked off in Franciacorta, setting the stage with roads enveloped by scenic vineyards. The journey continued through Alto Garda Bresciano Park and Lake Idro, eventually making a pit stop at Riva Del Garda. The group rally showcased a faithful replica of Bob Wallace's 'Jota,' meticulously built over thirteen years by an English enthusiast. The adventure to Valpolicella presented a tour of Villa Sigurtà. Highlighting the parade was a Countach LP 400 S, the pace car for the 1981 Monaco Grand Prix, which had also recently graced the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance. The tour pinnacled at Lamborghini’s Sant’Agata Bolognese headquarters, where participants were treated to shared stories from former Lamborghini employees. Pirelli, Lamborghini’s tire supplier since 1963, also joined as an official partner, strengthening their enduring relationship.Alessandro Farmeschi, Lamborghini's After Sales Director, emphasized that the Giro Polo Storico is integral to celebrating both Lamborghini's heritage and its committed fan base. With a blend of awe-inspiring landscapes and iconic machines, the tour was a milestone in Lamborghini's 60-year journey of automotive excellence. View all Lamborghini supercars and hypercars currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lamborghini For Sale Source: Automobili Lamborghini

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By Jordan Aquistapace – September 15, 2023

Tecnomar Yachts Invites The Lamborghini Official Club To ...

The fuel-driven partnership brings together high-horsepower supercars and ultra-exclusive superyachts. Bringing the design, craftsmanship, and performance of an Italian supercar to the open waters, the ongoing partnership between Automobili Lamborghini and Tecnomar merges two industry icons to create the ultimate luxury superyacht. Since the debut of the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 yacht, celebrities, influential individuals, and automotive collectors raced to secure a build slot and the opportunity to experience one of the most exclusive and powerful marine crafts on the water. Having grown a passionate community of owners and enthusiasts that cross-pollinate into the realm of Lamborghini supercars, Tecnomar Yachts recently invited The Lamborghini Official Club and its members to The Italian Sea Group headquarters for a tour. With a parking lot full of Lamborghini models like the Aventador SVJ, Huracán STO, Huracán Evo, Gallardo, Diablo, and many more, guests were welcomed with an exclusive Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63' production tour. From hull assembly to powertrain transplant, the group of supercar owners took a deep dive into the everyday operations that make Tecnomar a lone leader in the automotive-inspired marine craft market. Fitted with two V12 MAN engines, each generating 2,000 horsepower, this beast of a yacht offers a combined output of a staggering 4,000 horsepower. That's enough muscle to propel this 63-foot vessel to a top speed of around 60 knots, making it one of the fastest boats in its class. The yacht employs a cutting-edge hydro jet propulsion system, ensuring not just raw speed but also superior maneuverability in various sea conditions. With big names like UFC star Conor shelling out seven figures for a Lamborghini superyacht, it's no surprise that Tecnomar is now completing its sold-out production series. View all Lamborghini supercars and hypercars currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lamborghini For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tecnomar (@tecnomaryachts) Source: Tecnomar Yachts Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 14, 2023

Lamborghini Unleashes Its V10-Powered Huracán Lineup On S...

Lamborghini Driving Experience starting at the Lounge Porto Cervo through Costa Smeralda As Lamborghini marks its 60th anniversary, the brand pulls out all the stops by bringing together four of its V10 Huracán models: Evo Spyder, STO, Tecnica, and the off-road Sterrato for a scenic drive through Sardinia's winding roads. The event celebrated the brand's rich history, serving as the ultimate showcase of Lamborghini's current supercar lineup. This group rally highlighted the brand's achievement in V10 engine manufacturing, with 24,048 units sold since the Huracán's debut in 2014. The cavalcade set off from the Lamborghini Lounge Porto Cervo, a hub that offers a 360-degree Lamborghini experience complete with brand partnerships, luxury furnishings, and a dedicated space for customers to configure their dream cars. The event arrives during significant brand milestones and future plans. This year sees the conclusion of Lamborghini's celebration of combustion engines while looking forward to electrification. The brand recently unveiled its roadmap, Direzione Cor Tauri, which includes hybridizing the V12 and launching new plug-in hybrid models by 2024. So whether you're a fan of the high-performance Huracán Evo Spyder, the race-inspired STO, the versatile Tecnica, or the off-road capable Sterrato, this momentous occasion commemorates Lamborghini's legendary V10 platform. View all Lamborghini Huracán models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lamborghini Huracán For Sale Source: Automobili Lamborghini

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