Lamborghini News

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 – October 28, 2019

New Photos of the Lamborghini Urus ST-X Super SUV Released

Over the weekend, Lamborghini preview a new hypercar that will be released in 2020. At the same time, the Italian automaker also took the Urus ST-X to the track for the very first time. Driving the Super SUV was none other than nine-time Motocross Champion Tony Cairoli. The Urus ST-X is Lamborghini's upcoming Super SUV that will be entering the world of racing. In fact, Lamborghini will have races designed specifically for the Urus ST-X, with the first one taking place during the 2020 World Finals in Misano Adriatico. The drivers in this race will actually be comprised of winners of the four classes of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo and motorsport celebrities. Lamborghini Urus Specs & Pricing As for the Urus ST-X itself and it's specifics, it's a beast of an SUV. Its beating heart is a powerful twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 650 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Lamborghini also dropped the weight of the Urus ST-X by 25 percent when compared to a stock Urus. see all lamborghini urus for sale

By Edward Jones – October 28, 2019

New V12 Lamborghini Hypercar is Coming Soon

A new 12-cylinder Lamborghini hypercar is coming soon, the Italian automaker announced during the Lamborghini Squadra Corse during the World Finals in Jerez de la Frontera. Lamborghini announced that the new hypercar will be fully revealed in 2020. It will be a track-only model developed by Squadra Corse and design by the Centro Stile in Sant'Agata Bolognese. The press release regarding the car announced that it will be powered by a 6.5-liter V12 that produces 830 horsepower. Other notable announcements regarding the hypercar's specifics include the inclusion of a large rear wing, roof air scoop, and 6-speed sequential Xtrac transmission. Unfortunately, the only look we have at the car can be found up above. see all lamborghinis for sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 25, 2019

Lamborghini Will Test New Carbon Fiber on the Space Station

Look to the skies for the latest from Lamborghini. To improve the production of their composite materials, Lamborghini will test new carbon fiber on the Space Station. Five samples of different composites will be examined in Zero-G, orbiting the Earth at close to 18,000 mph. Advanced carbon fiber has been used in spacecraft for decades, most notably the leading edge of the Space Shuttle's wings. What has yet to make it to space is the 3D-printed continuous fiber we first saw on the Sesto Elemento. It evolved into the Forged Composite rear spoiler of the Huracan Performante. Find Your Lamborghini Here Their goal is to test the validity of replacing critical aluminum parts with stronger versions of CF. The test parts will be launched on a Northrop Grumman Antares rocket (sorry Elon) at some point before November 2nd. " width="680">

By Edward Jones – October 22, 2019

New Lamborghini Huracan Production Record is Mindblowing

Lamborghini has just hit a massive milestone for the Huracan's production run. In just five years, Lamborghini has produced as many Huracans as they did Gallardos in ten years (2003-2013). That number? 14,022. That's an insane increase in production that shows just how well the car is selling and how efficient their production line is. The 14,022th Huracan to roll off of the line is a Huracan EVO coupe in Grigio Titans. Its destination? Korea. Lamborghini celebrated this car with both a press release, as well as a group photo with the car (see above). If this isn't a good sign of Lamborghini's growth over that past years, I don't know what is. Congratulations to Lamborghini on this major milestone! see all lamborghini huracans for sale Related Video: " width="680">

By Edward Jones – October 21, 2019

How This 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV Sold to a Celebrity

Back in 2017, we wrote an article regarding a 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV that was being sold by Curated. When we wrote the article, we had no idea what kind of ordeal this car would go through. To tell the story, John Temerian of Curated traveled to VINwiki's headquarters for one of the latest editions of "Car Stories." While you should really click play above to get the whole story of this Miura, here's a quick breakdown. Curated received many offers on the car that was around what they were looking for. Still, they went ahead and took the car out to Monterey Car Week to be auctioned off. After a disappointing visit to the auction block, the car returned home to Florida. The Miura then sat on Curated's showroom floor until they got a call from Lamborghini. To Curated's shock, Lamborghini was looking to sell the car to a celebrity. That celebrity? Jean Todt, the President of FIA and previous CEO of Ferrari (2004-2008). view curated's inventory

By Edward Jones – October 16, 2019

Experience the Lamborghini Huracan EVO's Futuristic Capab...

Lamborghini released the new Huracan EVO as an evolutionary step for their incredible supercar. Its potent 5.2-liter V10 engine produces a mean 640 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 443 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. But what is power without control? For that, Lamborghini went above and beyond. First up is the new Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI), which is a centralized system. The LDVI is essentially the brain of the car, determining how the car will react to the driver's input depending on the environment and selected driving mode. This includes the EVO's torque vectoring system, which utilizes three electronic differentials. Lamborghini also introduced their new human-machine interface (HMI), found on the central tunnel inside the Huracan EVO. It consists of an 8.4-inch multi-touch capacitive screen. Within the new HMI, the driver can control entertainment functions, driving dynamics, navigation, vehicle telemetry and more. The new Lamborghini HMI is a huge step forward in the brand's technological evolution. If you're ready to check out the new and incredibly impressive Lamborghini Huracan EVO, you're in luck. Right now, at Lamborghini San Diego, you can test drive a beautiful Grigio example of the EVO. And if you like it, you could buy it on the spot. For more information, be sure to click the button below. learn more now

By Andrew Nabors – October 10, 2019

Lamborghini LM002 American Torture Test

Chrysler was riding high on the successes of Lee Iaccoca. He had singlehandedly saved Plymouth, Dodge, Jeep & Mitsubishi from going bankrupt. Noticing another struggling automaker, he organized the purchase of Lamborghini in the late 80's. By this time, their first SUV was almost ready, but it needed final testing to meet our DOT laws. So here is the VINwiki story of the Lamborghini LM002 American Torture Test. The most public way to introduce it was entering One Lap of America. Chrysler sponsored a 3-man team to compete in this SCCA sanctioned rally. It is perhaps the most difficult Lamborghini ever built, combining a Countach drivetrain with rugged suspension. But it was meant for military use so compromises were made. Browse Lamborghini LM002 For Sale Several decades later, these mistakes were studied when the Raging Bull decided to do it again. This time, they would not accept anything less than perfection, and the Lamborghini Urus is the best SUV on the market. Tell us your wild rally stories in the comments below, and click the button to find an Urus near you. " width="680"> Related: Lamborghini Urus Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Edward Jones – October 08, 2019

Dad 3D-Printed a Lamborghini for His Son

I still remember when I was a kid asking my dad if we could buy a Lamborghini Countach after seeing it in, and I'm not doing this because of where I work, the pages of the duPont REGISTRY magazine. To my demise, he said no. Looking back, it was incredibly silly of me to ask for such a thing. I mean, we lived on a dirt road in Arizona! While I didn't have good luck when it came to supercars and my dad, one kid in Colorado did. After racing a Lamborghini Aventador in the video game Forza on his Xbox, Sterling Backsus's son asked his dad if they could build one. Well, they're actually building a replica and they set a budget of just $20,000. See All Lamborghini Huracans for Sale Backus is building the car's body panels by 3D-printing them, wrapping the 3D-printed pieces in carbon fiber and then coating it in epoxy. This process is called carbon-fiber encapsulation. As for the inner-workings of the replica Lamborghini, Backus crafted the chassis out of steel. For the source of power, they have opted for an LS1 V8 engine. They expect this car to be rolling on the streets by October. They then plan to take the car around to schools. More specifically, he wants to introduce it to kids in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) program to get kids interested in sciences. see all lamborghini aventadors for sale Source: CTV News

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By Andrew Nabors – September 26, 2019

Prestige Imports Announces New Youtube Series: Inside The...

Our friends at Prestige Imports have a breathtaking inventory. Aside from everything to see and do in Miami, it should be first on your list. However, for those of you who can't make the trip, they are bringing their inventory to you. For the first in a new series of reviews, we are treated to a Lamborghini Centenario Inside the Lab. Prestige Imports has been a constant force in our magazine for over 35 years, and they have the ability to satisfy your wildest exotic car dreams. Brett David and his team of sales & service professionals will give you top dollar for your trade and put you in one of the world's most coveted cars. Don't believe us? Click the button below to view their inventory and stay with us for the next episode of Inside the Lab. View Prestige Imports Inventory " width="680"> Related: Prestige Imports: Spring Cleaning Supercar Shuffle Welcome to Prestige Imports 2.0

By Edward Jones – September 26, 2019

LEGO R/C Lamborghini Aventador SV Could Be a Reality

LEGO Ideas is a place where builders can submit their creations for a chance to have them become real LEGO sets. We've seen a lot of automotive Ideas come across the website, but a recent submission caught our eye. LEGO Builder "lego_bee" submitted their idea for a remote-controlled Lamborghini Aventador SV. This set would be a 1:12 scaled model of the intense supercar. It includes a list of impressive features, like independent suspension, doors that open, motors for driving, servo for steering, front lights, rear lights and more. It's quite incredible. Check it out below and vote on this set by clicking here. see all aventador sv's for sale

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