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

Lamborghini News

Lamborghini news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated daily, covering the V12 hybrid Revuelto, the Temerario and the Urus, one of the biggest names in luxury SUV news. Our reporting runs across reveals, first drives, one-off builds and the auction results that set values. We also follow the earlier cars, from the Countach through to the Veneno. Many sites carry supercar news, but very few carry it beside live listings. A great many of the Lamborghinis covered here are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, so the reporting and a real asking price appear together. For Lamborghini news today, start with the stories below.

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 08, 2021

1 of 10 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Xago Edition F...

A chance to own an ultra-exclusive version of the already desirable Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster. The Lamborghini Aventador continues to lead the way as the brand’s iconic performance-focused V12 powered supercar. Lamborghini created ten examples of a wild new variant of the Aventador SVJ called the “Xago Edition.” This pristine example is finished in Bianco Asopo over Nero Cosmus with striking accents overlaid throughout the body. This new edition was created to celebrate Lamborghini’s new virtual Ad Personam studio. Through this new studio, Lamborghini can offer personalization consultations to clients worldwide without them having to travel to their headquarters in Italy. This 2021 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster “Xago Edition” is currently available through Chicago Motorcars for $999,800. Click the link below to view the duPont REGISTRY listing and to learn more. Sell My Lamborghini Aventador: Get a Cash Offer View Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 07, 2021

Automobili Lamborghini Unveils The All-New Aventador LP 7...

The Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae. It takes time to become timeless. The Lamborghini Aventador continues to lead the way as the brand’s iconic performance-focused V12 powered supercar platform. With an array of renditions and special edition models, the Aventador is consistently being developed in pursuit of obtaining maximum power, aerodynamics, and stability. Automobili Lamborghini announces the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae: a celebration of the iconic V12 super sports car and combustion engine in a final production model, concentrating the purest features of all Aventador editions into a perfect finale. The Aventador LP 780-4 harnesses the performance of the SVJ and intensifies the sophisticated elegance of the Aventador S, converging design and dynamism into a decisive collector’s piece in both coupé and roadster forms. The twelve-cylinder, 6.5-liter ‘Longitudinale Posteriore’ (LP) engine delivers 770-hp: 40-hp more than the Aventador S and 10-hp over the SVJ to its permanent four-wheel drive. The Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae celebrates the Lamborghini Aventador’s complex yet elegant lines and surfaces: the culmination of Lamborghini’s aspirated-V12 design legacy. Although pricing is yet to be released, a new palette of options for exterior and interior is created for owners of the 350 coupés and 250 roadsters numbered editions of the Ultimae, offering a refined yet dynamic, elegant yet distinctive representation of the last Aventador. Check back for more release information on the all-new Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Roadster. View all current Lamborghini models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lamborghini Aventador For Sale Media/Info Source: Automobili Lamborghini For more Lamborghini news, Check out Makes And Movements: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ x Graham Chronofighter Superlight Carbon

By Andrew Nabors – April 08, 2021

How To Jump a Lamborghini Urus Over An Aventador

Spoiler: No Spoilers Were Damaged Leaving Earth for a few seconds makes you reevaluate the choices you just made. We recommend doing it in a car or truck you don't love anymore, preferably one the bank doesn't care about either. But Street Speed 717 does it differently. His latest upload does it a bit differently as he jumps his Lamborghini Urus over his Aventador. Its not just about getting up to speed, you have to choose the correct Urus driving mode. Looking merely at their specs, both are AWD and this slice of his collection has 1,260 lb-ft of torque and 1,260 horsepower. Everyone needs the choice of twin-turbo V8 or naturally-aspirated V12, with rear-wheel steering for both. This video also answers the question of what an Urus sounds like with straight pipes. We approve of his exhaust but we can't condone such dangerous acts, especially on a farm. Tell us which Lamborghini you prefer in the comments below! Browse Urus For Sale Browse Aventador For Sale Image (C) Street Speed 717

By Edward Jones – April 07, 2021

Hear the Scream of a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ On the Track

Long live the Lamborghini V12. The scream of a Lamborghini V12 is one that will never get old. Its note can be recognized among a sea of other cars and that's because it's just so beautiful. If you're a fan of the Lamborghini V12 like I am, you need to check out this video from Gumbal. In the video, found up above, you'll be able to hear a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ scream across the TT Circuit Assen in The Netherlands. This took place during a private trackday that was organized by Supercar Society. For the Aventador SVJ, Lamborghini went above and beyond to create the ultimate version of their flagship supercar and it is videos like this one that shows incredible it really is. If you like the sounds of the Aventador SVJ so much that you'd like to add one to your collection, be sure to click the button below to see what's available. See All Aventador SVJs For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 15, 2021

2021 Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster Is The Perfect Vale...

While lesser automakers dove deep into esoteric advertising this year, the home of the Raging Bull reminded us that the 2021 Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster is the perfect Valentine. Their latest upload stars Christian and Laura along with their other family member. Doing everything together, the latest Aventador S transformed this duet into a trio. If you're cold, they're cold, so this Roadster plays centerstage by residing in their home. Along with music, foosball, chess, and food, an Aventador is best when shared. Compared to all previous Lamborghinis, rear-steering and magnetic suspension allow it to be a comfortable cruiser. The LVDI system combines stability, engine power, transmission programming, and torque vectoring into a comprehensive (and intuitive) 4 modes. With 740 horsepower and 507 lb-ft to all wheels, it is the most fun you will have with your significant other. Literally a decade ahead of the original Aventador specs, clicking the button below will complete your family unit. Lamborghini Aventador For Sale Image (C) Lamborghini Automobili

By Edward Jones – February 09, 2021

World's First Lamborghini on Snow Tracks

Every time you've seen a Lamborghini Aventador, it's been on some sort of hard surface. Whether it be a public road or race track, the Aventador is a supercar made for tarmac. However, that didn't stop TheStradman from turning a clean Aventador into a snowmobile. With HeavyDSparks in charge of the transformation, the result actually looks great even though the sight of snow tracks on a supercar is something I thought I'd never see. To test it out, they brought the Lamborghini out to some fresh powder to see how it would handle. While it most certainly worked, the transmission was not happy and they found out that this vehicle has quite the penchant for getting stuck. Check it out for yourself in both of the videos found in this post. See All Lamborghinis For Sale " width="680"> Featured Image Source: Instagram/@HeavyDSparks/@alecjacksonblack

By Andrew Nabors – January 29, 2021

First Production Lamborghini Aventador SVJ 63 Roadster Pu...

As a five-time Moto GP Champion, he could own anything on wheels. Because he enjoys being inspired, the first production Lamborghini Aventador SVJ 63 Roadster was purchased by Jorge Lorenzo. In the latest upload from the factory, we see Car #01 meet its owner. You might remember it from their promotional photos, as this one was shown around the world. As a valued customer, Mr. Lorenzo was able to watch his new masterpiece take the breath away from fans of all ages. While we can't sell you Car #01, our dealers stand ready to find a new Aventador for you. This car is just one reason why Lamborghini earned Top Employer 2021. Lamborghini Aventador For Sale Image (C) Lamborghini S.p.A.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 19, 2021

Mansion Motors: Toys to Complement a Timeless New Jersey ...

A luxurious lifestyle is complete with large homes on premium landscape, high-end supercars, exotic race cars, and state-of-the-art watercrafts. In this special, we pair a lavish home listing with the toys needed to fill the garage, as well as the dock. This week, we find ourselves in New Jersey on a Northeast Estate with direct access to the Manasquan River. Click any of the links below to view the local dealership inventory we'd suggest outfitting this home with, as well as the real estate listing. Luxury Home for Sale duPont REGISTRY Homes Address: 818 Linden Ln, Brielle, NJ 08730 Square Footage: 31,281 sqft Bedroom/Bathrooms: 9/15 Garage: Attached Water Access: Wood Dock Slips Price: $9,900,000 View duPont REGISTRY Homes Listing For the Garage 2017 Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 SV Coupe Lamborghini Paramus Dealership: Lamborghini Paramus Condition: Used 388 miles Engine: 6.5L V12 Engine Displacement: Mid-Engine Performance: 750hp/507ft-lbs Torque 0-60 Time: 2.8 Seconds Price: Call for Price View Lamborghini Paramus Inventory 2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Manhattan Motorcars Dealership: Manhattan Motorcars Condition: New Engine: 4.0L Twin Turbo V8 & Electric Motor Engine Displacement: Front Engine Performance: 670hp/663ft-lbs Torque 0-60 Time: 3.6 Seconds Price: $179,740 View Manhattan Motorcars Inventory 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko SC Stage II Specialty Vehicle Engineering Dealership: Specialty Vehicle Engineering Condition: New Engine: Supercharged 6.8L V8 Engine Displacement: Front Engine Performance: 1,050hp/900ft-lbs Torque 0-60 Time: 3.9 Seconds Price: Call for Price View SVE Inventory For the Dock 2020 Sea Force 510 Center Console Denison Yacht Sales Dealership: Denison Yacht Sales Length: 51ft Boat Type: Center Console Engine: Quad Mercury 450hp Outboard Performance: 1800hp Price: $2,250,000 View Denison Yacht Sales Inventory For more Mansions & Motors, Check out Outfitting a Luxurious Fort Lauderdale Waterfront Estate

By Andrew Nabors – January 14, 2021

2021 Huber Era Is A Stunning Lamborghini Aventador

Offering a new take on a close friend, the 2021 Huber Era is a stunning Lamborghini Aventador. They are a coachbuilder based in Dubai, and their latest project is turning heads around the world. Starting with a new front and rear bumper, they have given the car a nice aesthetic and aerodynamic upgrade. Lamborghini's flagship was initially to be limited to 4,000 cars, but that target was met in only a few years. It has been in production since 2011, so if you haven't experienced one, click the button below for an adventure in automotive perfection. Browse Lamborghini Aventador For Sale " width="680"> Image (C) Huber Automotive

By Edward Jones – November 06, 2020

One-of-One Camoflauge Lamborghini Aventador SVJ 63 Lands ...

In Hong Kong, a very special Lamborghini has touched ground as a one-of-one creation that you may find quite familiar. Kingsway Cars Limited recently delivered this Aventador SVJ 63 that features a very unique but specific camoflauge pattern. If you recall, the Aventador SVJ 63 that set the production car record on the Nurburgring Nordschleife looks just like this one and that was essentially the point when Lamborghini's Ad Personam customized this car. The personalization branch of Lamborghini also customized the interior, which features Nero Cosmus black Alcantara with contrasting Arancio Leonis orange lining and new SVJ cross-stitching. If you'd like to see this creation for yourself, it will be on display at Lamborghini Hong Kong from November 4 for a short but undisclosed period of time. See All Aventador SVJs For Sale Images by Ron Alder W Photography via Instagram/@lamborghinihk, Source: KingswaysHoldings.com

Lamborghini News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe