Celebrity Cars

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 – October 19, 2023

Watch KSI And Logan Paul React To The PRIME Lamborghini A...

Sporting a new color that celebrates PRIME's new flavor, KSI's Lamborghini is sure to attract some attention on the road. With success and fame come the finer things in life, whether it be a massive million-dollar waterfront mansion or the latest and greatest luxury Italian supercar. For professional boxers and entrepreneurs KSI and Logan Paul, those luxury offerings came after building an empire through social media and the successful launch of their PRIME energy drink brand. Best recognized as a marketing marvel, KSI and Logan Paul continue to promote the PRIME brand through sold-out boxing events, celebrity commercials, and even vehicle wraps for Lamborghini supercars. That's right, PRIME recently reached out to the U.K.'s top vehicle wrapping shop, Yiannimize, to commission a custom wrap for KSI's Lamborghini Aventador. Yiannimize Founder and CEO Yianni Charalambous met up with KSI and Logan Paul before his boxing match against John Fury, to reveal the Lamborghini's new look. Pulling the car cover with Logan, Yianni leaves KSI speechless after showcasing a jaw-dropping light green finish that resembles the bottle design of PRIME's new Glowberry flavor. The green wrap is further accentuated with tron-style pinstriping, presenting a mirror effect when photographed in dark settings with a camera flash. After getting the final approval from both KSI and Logan Paul, the PRIME Lamborghini Aventador was rushed to the stadium to be unveiled at the big fight that night. The V12-powered Lamborghini played a key role in KSI's walkout to the ring, where he revealed himself from the Aventador once the covers were lifted for millions of fans to see. Although the boxing match didn't end the way KSI and Logan Paul hoped for, the PRIME Lamborghini Aventador is the true winner overall. View all Lamborghini Aventador examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lamborghini Aventador For Sale Source: Yiannimize YouTube

By Edward Jones – April 06, 2020

Chris Brown's Lamborghini Gets a New Look

Just last month, in March 2020, we covered Chris Brown's Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster and it's brilliant purple to teal wrap. Now, he's back at it again with yet another wrap for this Aventador. This time, he went with a red to black fade but he's also changed out a few components. For instance, the widebody panels are gone, as are the wheels. However, it is mentioned in the video below by RDB LA that they have ordered new wheels and are just waiting on those to arrive. In the video below, you'll also hear the scream of a Ferrari 812 Superfast with a full RYFT exhaust system. It's downright brutal. All Aventador SV Roadsters for Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – March 12, 2020

Chris Brown's Wild Lamborghini Aventador SV

Chris Brown's Lamborghini Aventador SV just received a major visual upgrade from RDB LA. And this is on top of already having the Liberty Walk Limited Edition Widebody Kit. First up is the custom wrap, which fades from a purple to teal. To match the color fade are the Forgiato wheels that have been wrapped in purple upfront and teal in the back. There's also the Novitec suspension for an even more aggressive appearance and custom exhaust for an insane scream. Check it out for yourself in the video below. ALL LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR SV FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – September 21, 2018

Post Malone's New Lamborghini Aventador SV is a Screamer

Post Malone's days are getting better after being in a plane that had its tires pop and having a car smash into his Rolls-Royce. To start, he purchased himself a new Rolls-Royce Phantom to make up for the wrecked Rolls. Now, he's taken delivery of a wild new Lamborghini Aventador SV. That car was modified by R1 Motorsport in Los Angeles, California and it's a beauty. The exterior of Post's Lamborghini has been enhanced with Novitec's carbon fiber kit and lowering springs, as well as Brixton Forged wheels. However, the cherry on top of this supercar has to be the new exhaust system from R1 Motorsport. When the car was delivered, the driver gave it a few revs. The result was deafening to the point where Post had to cover his ears. Post Malone's Car Collection is Epic https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn-OoYRB24O/ https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn959O6hSF0/ https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn9XQJKBdH3/ Featured Image via Instagram/@R1Motorsport

By Edward Jones – July 30, 2018

Cardi B and Offset Get New Lamborghinis

Husband and wife team of Cardi B and Offset have just become the new parents after the birth of Kulture, their newborn daughter. And just three weeks after her birth, the couple is still makin' moves. The two recently posted pictures on their Instagram accounts of their latest purchases: a pair of new Lamborghini Aventador S supercars. Offset's Lamborghini coupe is finished in a bright green Verde Mantis paint, while Cardi B's Roadster is a vivid Blu Cepheus finish. These supercars were purchased from our friends over at Motorcars of Atlanta/Lamborghini Atlanta.Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Breaks Nurburgring Recordhttps://www.instagram.com/p/Bly2pXxhXrE/?taken-by=iamcardibLamborghini's new Aventador S Coupe and Roadster models are great upgrades over the standard Aventador models. Andrew Nabors of Autofluence noted this about the release of the new model: "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." Both Cardi B and Offset made great decisions in buying these cars.https://www.instagram.com/p/Bly3jP4nYrF/?taken-by=offsetyrn

By Edward Jones – July 02, 2018

Justin Bieber Has Lamborghini Aventador S Delivered

Justin Bieber has been changing lately and is starting to look more and more like his friend Post Malone-- just check out his 'stache and outfit. His music has been evolving, too. Even with his transformation, his love for cars remains and it shows with his recent delivery of a custom Lamborghini Aventador S.X17onlineVideo recently captured a truck dropping off the supercar during his stay at Montage Resort in Laguna Beach. This Lamborghini joins his collection that has included the likes of a Liberty Walk Ferrari 458, Bugatti Veyron and more.The Lamborghini Aventador S has a massive V12 engine that's capable of producing 740 horsepower and 509 lb-ft of torque. With this power, thanks to a multitude of engine enhancements, Bieber's new Aventador S can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 217 mph. Furthermore, its handling is better than the base Aventador due to the implementation of four-wheel steering.

By Edward Jones – January 19, 2017

Chris Brown Has a Dragon Ball Z Lamborghini

I have no idea how I missed this, but thanks to Jalopnik I now know that Chris Brown has a Dragonball Z-themed Lamborghini Aventador SV. As a self-proclaimed Dragon Ball Z fan (Gohan is my boy), this is big news.(Related - Chris Brown Buys Lamborghini Aventador SV)While many people keep their Lamborghini stock after purchasing it, Brown isn't one of those people. He's had just about all of his cars kitted out with some crazy themes, with this one being the latest.https://www.instagram.com/p/BLNR7n6jgtI/On the hood of his red Lamborghini, the face of Son Goku rests. While it may be surprising at first, it makes more sense when you learn that he has a tattoo and necklace of Goku.Now, if he can only get a house designed by Capsule Corp or a replica of the Kame House. Also, if you're a fan of DBZ, new episodes of dubbed Dragon Ball Super is playing every Saturday at 8 PM EST on Cartoon Network.All Lamborghini Aventador For Salehttps://www.instagram.com/p/BPamhMkj5HD/

By Edward Jones – January 03, 2017

Kermit the Frog's Epic Lamborghini Aventador SV

Kermit the Frog owns a Lamborghini Aventador SV. If you didn't know this fact, now you do. In a new video from TheSUPERCARDRIVER, Kermit is interviewed about his new supercar.(Also Check Out - Lamborghini Aventador S Revealed: More Power and Four-Wheel Steering)Fittingly enough, his Lamborghini is finished in a green "Verde Scandal," and it's actually the only Aventador SV finished in this color in the U.K. The celebrity amphibian notes that his passion for the Italian automaker came from a poster of a Countach that he owned when he was a "frog spawn." Remember how I noted yesterday that a lot of automotive enthusiasts owned a posted of the Countach at some point? Here ya go. He then goes on to note how his car has a few slight modifications and that he purchased the car after a friend rolled his Gallardo.Yes, this entire video is in jest, and while the driver may be fictional, the car is not. Check it out below to see Kermit's supercar.All Lamborghini Aventador SV For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 14, 2016

Conor McGregor Shows Off His "Mutant" Lamborghini Aventador

The Notorious Conor McGregor is now the first UFC fighter to hold titles in two different division at the same time. After his victory against Eddie Alvarez, he has spent his days relishing his champion status by living in luxury. His latest luxurious purchase was his Lamborghini Aventador that he calls "The Mutant".Images of his new Italian ride first surfaced on his Instagram profile. In the images, the car can be seen parked between his Rolls-Royce Ghost and Cadillac Escalade. In one image, he put this into the description: "motivation and inspiration to all of you guys! ☺️ I hope you guys join me on my transformation and have a good morning!" When talking about transformation, could it have to do with the boxing license he recently acquired? All I know is that Floyd Mayweather Jr. is having none of it and even threatened to slap McGregor. Uh oh, trouble is brewing in the fighting world.Congratulations to McGregor on his latest addition to his car collection.All Lamborghini Aventador For Salehttps://www.instagram.com/p/BN8bh6Ihiko/https://www.instagram.com/p/BN_ShpJhroJ/

By Andrew Nabors – July 29, 2016

Afrojack Pulled Over in his Lamborghini Aventador SV

It can be hard for celebrities to hide from the media, but music producer Afrojack has a solution: Camouflage. After taking delivery of a new Lamborghini Aventador SV earlier this year, he decided to wrap it in a deep woods motif for this year's Gumball 3000. In a YouTube video uploaded earlier today, Marchettino has revealed the wild LP 750 being unloaded for a leg of the rally.Driving an Aventador in traffic can be a stressful experience due to the reactions of other drivers, so a matching Bentley Bentayga was brought along in what we assume is a support vehicle. Law enforcement is an essential part of having a safe event, so his encounter with the English constable might have been staged for the press. The logistics of a long distance rally are hard enough in the US, so we can't imagine switching between left and right lane driving in a group of the world's most expensive cars.Lamborghini Aventador SV For Sale

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