Industry Reports

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 Edward Jones – January 16, 2018

Lamborghini Achieves Record Year in 2017

Lamborghini saw an incredible year in 2017, a year that would set records in their history books. Not only did they release the new Urus SUV, Lamborghini also saw a massive increase in sales and deliveries throughout the year.Lamborghini Huracan: 10 Facts You Need To KnowA network of 145 dealers across 50 countries worked together to bring yearly sales from 3,457 in 2016 up to 3,815 in 2017. This increase in sales amounted to a double-digit growth of 10% when 2017 is compared to 2016. When the delivery figures of 2017 are compared to figures of 2010 (1,302 cars delivered), sales have almost tripled in just seven years. From 2016 to 2017, Lamborghini saw the Aventador sales growth increase by 6% (1,104 to 1,173) and Huracan increasing by 12% (2,353 to 2,642).Here's a breakdown of the Lamborghini sales figures:Sales by Country USA (1,095) Japan (411) UK (353) Germany (303) Greater China (265) Canada (211) Middle East (164) Lamborghinis for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 30, 2017

Lamborghini Celebrates Production Records For Aventador &...

It is hard to believe that the Lamborghini Aventador has been with us for 6 years. In that time we've helped our dealers find new homes for the V12-powered raging bulls. As the flagship of the brand, the Aventador pushes the limits of design and civility. It looks aggressive in any situation, with performance to match. As a replacement for the Murcielago, it has been a hit since day one. That is why Lamborghini is celebrating chassis 7,000 alongside Huracan's 9,000th example. First Lamborghini Centenario For Sale In The USWith only 3 years of production, the Huracan and its variants offer V10 power in coupe & convertible bodies, along with your choice of rear or all-wheel-drive. Both of these milestone production numbers were approaching each other, so it was cause for celebration at the factory. The skilled workers at Sant’Agata Bolognese gathered around for a celebration. The press release states Chassis 7,000 is a Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster in Grigio Adamas is heading to a lucky American buyer. Next to it was a stunning Blue Nethuns Huracán Performante. It is heading to the opposite side of the globe, en route to Dubai. Congratulations to everyone at Lamborghini for the continued success. If you have been wondering why they are so appealing, click the link below to find our dealer nearest you. Stay with us for all your Lamborghini news.View Lamborghini For Sale Lamborghini Huracan For Sale Miami, FL

By Edward Jones – September 28, 2017

Lamborghini Focusing on the Driver, Not Autonomous Driving

While just about every automaker is focused on integrating autonomous technology in their cars, Lamborghini is looking the other way.In a recent interview with Digital Trends, Maurizio Reggiani of Lamborghini said they would "be the last brand to offer" autonomous driving. Why? Well, you don't get in a Lamborghini to have it carry you somewhere, you get in one to experience the thrill of the drive. This is why Lamborghini isn't planning for autonomous driving, because it would take away from the experience that their supercars bring to the driver.However, Reggiani did go on to say that the upcoming Urus would feature adaptive cruise control, lane-assist and other features that you would expect in a premium car. Furthermore,the new Lamborghini SUV will have a dedicated connectivity system.As for Lamborghini supercars, don't expect the same tech that the Urus will have.

By Edward Jones – August 31, 2017

Report: Stephan Winkelmann to Leave Audi Sport for Bugatti

It was announced that Stephan Winkelmann would his post as Lamborghini's CEO back in February of 2016 and would become the CEO of Audi Sport. Now, a little over a year later, Autocar is reporting that Winkelmann is making another move, this time to Bugatti.According to Autocar, Wolfgang Dürheimer will be leaving his CEO post at Bugatti and Winkelmann will take his place. However, Dürheimer will stay as the head of Bentley for the time being. However, the reporting article did note that Winkelmann will become the chairman of Bentley in the future. Wolfgang Dürheimer (left) with Massimiliano Pogliani (centre) and Kevin Rose at Bentley MotorsReplacing Winkelmann is Michael-Julius Renz, who is leaving his position as President of Audi China's sales division. He also previously was the head of sales for Audi in Germany.At Bugatti, Winkelmann will be overseeing the future Chiron hypercar variants that will be introduced. Autocar says that the rumoured models include the Chiron Grand Sport and Chiron Supercar.

By Edward Jones – June 02, 2017

Lamborghini Announces 8,000th Huracan Produced in Three Y...

Lamborghini has been going full force with their production, looking to produce more and more vehicles each year. Ultimately, the Italian automaker is aiming to not only add the Urus to their lineup, but also a fourth model. Nonetheless, the proof is in the pudding and Lamborghini's latest press release is that proof.Lamborghini announced on June 1, 2017 that they have created their 8.000th example of the Huracan. This specific supercar was finished in Grigio Lynx and was of the Spyder kind. Destined for the United Kingdom, this car is an important landmark for the supercar producer.For comparison's sake, let's take a look at production numbers for previous Lamborghini models. First, I'll start off with the Gallardo, which was the predecessor for the Huracan. Over the course of ten years, just over 14.000 examples were made. If Lamborghini keeps the current production pace for the Huracan, they will make over 26,000 Huracan in a ten year span. If we go back even further, the Diablo had only around 2,880 examples produced, and the Countach was produced barely over 2,000 times.

By Edward Jones – January 10, 2017

Lamborghini Hits Record Sales in 2016, Urus Confirmed for...

In the year 2016, it seems automakers were breaking records left and right. We recently covered Porsche's record year, and now we get to talk about how Lamborghini broke their own records in 2016.(Related - The Story of a 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV)In a press release issued by the Italian automaker, it was announced that Lamborghini delivered 3,457 cars in 2016. This is a 7% increase over the previous year, making it the sixth consecutive year of growth. In fact, this was the first time Lamborghini has ever delivered over 3,400 units. The biggest market was the USA, which saw 1,041 units being delivered."In 2016 Lamborghini has proven to be in excellent shape. The company delivered another record year in terms of sales and continued to outperform key business objectives.* This new all-time high is once more confirming the substance and sustainability of our brand, product and commercial strategy. This is a real team achievement and it is all the more remarkable as we are at the same time preparing not only for new models in our super sports car range, but for a company-wide quantum leap in our product portfolio – the third model line," says Stefano Domenicali, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.What's more, Lamborghini also announced in their press release that the Urus is actually going to happen. Starting in 2018, the Urus will join Lamborghini's lineup as the third model available and will spark an increase in production at the Sant'Agata facilities.You read that correctly: the Urus is actually, most certainly, happening.All Lamborghini For Sale

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