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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

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By Jordan Aquistapace – February 21, 2023

Watch The Lambroghini Huracán Sterrato Tackle The Italian...

Its new Rally mode lets this Super Sports Car handle perfectly even on the highest peaks.

By Andrew Nabors – May 14, 2021

First Look At The Lamborghini Huracan STO by Carfection

This is why you need one! Three letters signify a decade of lessons learned on the track. Super Trofeo Omologata translates to Lamborghini's most extreme racing Huracan that also happens to be street legal. Compared to the Performante, the body is all-new. The hood and fenders are now one-piece, and the quarter panels have heat and pressure extractor vents. Carbon fiber makes up 75% of the body, and wider wheels are flared into all corners. A ram-air intake atop the V10 increases downforce, and a rear spine holds the RWD supercar straight into and out of the corners. It generates 53% more downforce than the Performante, and it arrives with Brembo's most potent brake compounds. Inside we are treated to a titanium roll cage from Akrapovic, and microfiber lines most of the surfaces. Pricing starts at $327,838 and deliveries are starting soon. So click the button to order yours and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini Huracan For Sale Image Source: Carfection/YouTube Screenshot

By Andrew Nabors – April 13, 2021

Top 5 Facts You Didn't Know About Lamborghini's Ad Person...

You have no idea what they are capable of When it comes to ordering a new Lamborghini for sale, you might assume the only choices are color and wheels. But those are just the tip of the iceberg. With the ability to turn your dreams into a reality, here are the top 4 facts you didn't know about Lamborghini's Ad Personam program. Before we get into the details, "Ad Personam" is Latin for "personalized basis". It is a way for salespeople to connect their customers with the factory to explore the possibilities for a truly unique Raging Bull. With that in mind, you might be interested to know: 1. Automotive leader in the development of unique colors: 348 When it comes to mixing pigments, the team has created more custom colors than any other automaker. 2. The last frontier of color: diamond dust paint: To create the perfect shimmer in any situation, mixing the right metallic flake is a critical aspect of the base coat. Most painters like to use Xirallic, or finely ground aluminum. Lamborghini knocks it out of the park by using diamond dust for a shine unlike any other. 3. The most extravagant request for interiors: embroidered works of art: Italian leather is nothing without skilled sewing. With the ability to replicate photos, maps, and nature with nothing more than a needle and patience, your Lamborghini is a blank canvas. It makes a great talking point when jumping an Urus. 4. The most popular Ad Personam colors in America, Asia Pacific and EMEA: Because they are unlimited when it comes to color, customers around the world tend to prefer the same palette as their countrymen. Variables like climate, culture, and even the weather play a part in the selection process 5. Studies in color psychology give rise to five chromatic families: Just as a Rorschach test reveals your thought processes, studying and plotting customer traits has allowed Ad Personam to suggest a starting point based on your personality. You won't find such attention to detail from any other brand. Therefore, we implore you to open a conversation with our Ad Personam dealers, and the introspection will prove cathartic regardless of how the build evolves. Click the button to get started and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse New Lamborghini For Sale Images (C) Lamborghini

By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2021

Lamborghini to Unveil Two Cars This Year

Last year saw impressive profitability at the home of the raging bull. In addition to announcing their 2nd best year for sales, Lamborghini is set to unveil two new cars this year. A press release last night said 2020 was their best year for operating margin. Being their send-best year for turnover and sales, they were also hard at work building the future. Our friend Stephan Winkelmann was their leader for years before being promoted to the big chair at Bugatti. Because he gets results, Lamborghini is once again under his control, and this is what he says: “Our immediate responsiveness, an ideal model mix, and the growing demand for customization of our products pushed profitability to the highest levels. In such a difficult year, the brand demonstrated great strength and continued its growing appeal, bucking the trend in the global luxury industry.” One of my first posts here was explaining the new Aventador. They were very vocal about the exclusivity of their V12 flagship, in that only 4,000 cars would be offered. This was not arbitrary because the complex molds used to form the carbon fiber were worn out after 500 cars. They only built 8 molds to begin with but the Aventador is still selling like hotcakes. Ten years is a long time at the top, so perhaps they have something new for us this year. Lamborghini delivered 7,430 cars last year. If you want to know what makes them so popular click the button below and stay with us for all your exotic car news. Shop Lamborghini Images (C) Lamborghini Autombili

By Andrew Nabors – January 26, 2021

Lamborghini Earns "Top Employer Italy 2021"

Building the world's most respected cars along with keeping a healthy workforce is how Lamborghini has earned "Top Employer Italy 2021". For the 8th consecutive year, Top Employers Institute considered how the brand quickly adapted to unforeseen changes while maintaining incredible quality control. All staff received 80 extra hours of Holiday Pay, which could be converted into a nice vacation. The company's wellness program "LamboFIT" was streamed to remote workers while the factory shifted gears to produce protective gear. Your local Lamborghini dealer has the fruit of their efforts, so click the button to find yours! Lamborghini For Sale For a complete synopsis of the year, Lamborghini's Fast Financials show strong successes Images (C) Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

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By Andrew Nabors – January 14, 2021

Bugatti President Stephan Winkelmann Looks Forward To 2021

Wherever amazing automobiles are found, you will encounter a man who has the ability to lead and inspire thousands. Bugatti President Stephan Winkelmann looks forward to 2021 in their latest press release, so here are a few of his thoughts: "2020 was without a doubt the most unusual year for all of us. The coronavirus pandemic brought so much to a halt and caused enormous disruption to our everyday lives. I’m happy that our workforce and most Bugatti enthusiasts have so far made it through this difficult period and have managed to overcome these challenges extremely well." Three Bugatti Divos Delivered By Bugatti Beverly Hills “Unfortunately the Bugatti team were not able to meet fans and friends of the brand in person nearly as much as they would have liked due to the pandemic. Therefore, we are now using digital platforms to maintain contact with Bugatti owners and friends of the brand.” “2021 is set to be a particularly challenging year for me personally. In addition to my role as President of Bugatti, I also took on the position of President of Lamborghini in December 2020. However, this is an undertaking that is close to my heart, as Lamborghini builds the most exclusive super sports cars with outstanding design." What is the Fastest Lamborghini? Before Bugatti, Mr. Winkelmann commanded Lamborghini and brought about a new wave of styling and performance. We're glad to see him take the helm again, as he has a Midas touch when it comes to the world's best cars. Stay with us for all your exotic car news. Browse Bugatti For Sale Images (C) Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

By Andrew Nabors – December 04, 2020

Lamborghini Celebrates 30 Years Of The Diablo

Perhaps Tractors and Wine are the secret to a happy life. By 1985, Ferrucio Lamborghini had retired from building supercars, confident that Chief Engineer Horacio Pagani and Test Driver Valentino Balboni would carry on where he left off. Since the Countach had been in production for 13 years, work began on something all new. January of 1990 saw the debut of the most "90's" car of all time, so today Lamborghini celebrates 30 years of the Diablo. Top 10 Reasons Why You Need A Lamborghini Diablo As the Countach prepared to celebrate the brand's 25th anniversary, Mr. Pagani began to introduce carbon fiber body panels in 1988. His goal was for the Diablo to be the world's first carbon fiber supercar, but the recession of '88 hit Italy very hard. Another Italian executive saw an aoportunity to expand his portfolio, Chrysler assumed control with Lee Iaccoca at the helm. While the Diablo's lines were already finalized, Chrysler goons decided to water-down Gandini's styling. Carbon fiber was also relegated to exterior panels and interior trim. Nevertheless, the Diablo introduced a new Lamborghini buyer to such luxuries as power windows, A/C that works in South Florida, All Wheel Drive, and aerodynamics. Lamborghini Diablo Specs, Price, Review and Photos Looking back, the Diablo was the perfect car to bridge the gap between the Pagani era and Audi, who began taking over in the late '90s. What other car could have existed between the Countach and the Murcielago? What other V12-powered six-speed Raging Bull was on your bedroom poster? The Diablo is comfortable, fun, and as reliable as a battleship. After ample opportunities behind the wheel, I wouldn't swap seats with anyone. Maintenance can be done in your driveway and parts are plentiful. Click the button to find yours and then tell us your favorite Diablo story in the comments below. Browse Lamborghini Diablo For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 06, 2020

Remembering Eddie van Halen And His Iconic Lamborghini Mi...

The recent news of rock star Eddie van Halen’s passing has left fans deeply saddened, while many will celebrate his life by playing the songs that made him one of the greatest musicians. Eddie Van Halen was a staple to the rock and roll music industry, but also a key member of the automotive community. A video from We Are Curated features John Temerian talking about one of Eddie’s most prized possessions, a 1970 Lamborghini Miura S Widebody that he would use as a daily driver. The same vehicle made its infamous appearance in Van Halen’s “Panama” song. The Miura is rumored to be a factory one-off car for over 30 years, with its legacy living on just as Eddie van Halen’s will. " width="680"> " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – August 28, 2020

DNA Lamborghini Tells the Story of the Raging Bulls

Librarians be warned, the Dewey Decimal System has no classification for this masterpiece. Gold and carbon fiber have been combined to form the official book of the brand. DNA Lamborghini tells the story of the Raging Bulls and it deserves to be on your top shelf. From the Publishing House D'Oro Collection, it was written by Antonio Ghini and illustrated by Mitja Borkert. Over 300 pages detail every car from 1963 to now, and it is bound by hand. Only 250 numbered copies will be offered at $16,973 each, so click the button below to reserve yours and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Shop Now

By Andrew Nabors – June 23, 2020

Lamborghini SCV12 Unveiled With Their Most Powerful V12 E...

Owning and fielding a GT3 car is a life goal for many of us. While they are fast and fun, Lamborghini has just thrown shade on the world's sanctioning bodies. That is because their latest Squadra Corse race car arrives with the most powerful V12 they have ever offered. In a press release this morning we were taken aback by the 830 horsepower SCV12. While it shares styling influences with production cars and their recent concepts, engineers started with an all-new carbon fiber chassis. While street-legal Lamborghini models use aluminum subframes to carry the suspension and drivetrain, this new raging bull uses a sequential six-speed transmission as a stressed element of the chassis. Mounting the suspension pushrods directly to the gearbox saves weight while maintaining perfect suspension geometry. Turbulent air normally created behind the cockpit is rammed into the intake. Not only does the force-feed the big V12, but it also lowers drag in the process. Each car will be built-to-order, and eligible to race in Lamborghini events around the world. Squadra Corse engineers will keep your car in running shape. If you want to join an exclusive club and race on the world's most famous tracks, our dealers have all the information. Browse Lamborghini For Sale

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