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 Andrew Nabors – March 22, 2018

Lamborghini Built 300 Racing Huracans in 36 Months

If you intend to take your raging bull to the track, Lamborghini has a few options for you. In a press release last night, we have learned that 300 racing editions of the Huracan have been built over the past 3 years. This is an unprecedented effort by any manufacturer, let alone an Italian exotic.Lamborghini Huracan GT3 UnveiledRacing Huracans are built in two flavors: Huracan GT3 and Huracan Super Trofeo. The first are aimed at GT racing by privateer and factory supported teams. So far 70 examples have been assembled and they have seen 10 podium finishes around the world, including Daytona.For the Gentleman Racer, the Super Trofeo cars are built by Squadra Corse. Lamborghini's in-house racing department runs the Super Trofeo racing series. Drivers compete in identical Huracans at tracks around the world. Last week car #300 rolled off the line surrounded by its builders. It is one of the first of the new Super Trofeo Evo cars. Engines are unchanged but the bodies are all new, taking advantage of improved aerodynamics developed for the Huracan Performante. Tell us which Huracan you prefer in the comments below and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news.Browse Lamborghini Huracan For SaleAdvertise with duPont REGISTRY

By Andrew Nabors – March 06, 2018

Lamborghini Unveils Huracan Performante Spyder In Geneva

We didn't think it was possible. The advanced silhouette and aerodynamics of the Lamborghini Huracan Performante were based on the coupe. In a press release this morning, the Huracan Performante Spyder made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Chairman and CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “The Huracán Performante Spyder takes the zenith of Huracán developments, combined with the enhanced emotion of driving a convertible”Lamborghini Huracan Performante Breaks 8 Circuit RecordsCompared to the normal Huracan Spyder, the Performante is lighter by 77 lbs. This was done with the more extensive use of forged composites intreated within the aluminum body. The shining star of the Performante coupe is the patented ALA system. It channels air through a hollow-core rear spoiler to decrease turbulence and increase ground forces. It is able to make adjustments to the slipstream in 0.5 seconds to keep the car glued to the track.The 5.2 liter V10 offers 640 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque to all wheels via 3 electronic differentials. The press release says the convertible top and its components were engineered to not interfere with this innovative system. The top disappears in only 17 seconds, and it operates up to 30 mph. One of the most potent convertibles ever built, it is rated to reach 62 mph in 3.1 seconds along with a top speed of 201 mph. As soon as they are en route to our dealers, you will find all the details here on Autofluence.Browse Lamborghinis For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 29, 2018

New Mystery Lamborghini Aventador Spied, Looks Brutal

Lamborghini is hard at work finalizing what looks like a brand-new Aventador variant. The Italian automaker hasn't made any mention of a new version of their flagship car, but this mystery Lamborghini was recently spotted during some test drives. Even while wearing a camouflage outfit, the new and extreme body styling is as clear as day.2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante: Price, Specs and ReviewIn the rear is a new wing, massive diffuser, and two exhaust pipes sticking out between the taillights. If this were a sign of anything, it would point towards the most powerful Aventador we've seen yet. The front of the new Aventador has also been modified with a new front fascia that looks to provide more front-end aero components. Another little bit I noticed was that the iconic side vents look to be a bit larger and have a slightly different shape to them. Also, the new engine bay cover looks very similar to one Lamborghini picked out for their Veneno hypercar.As I stated before, Lamborghini has been quiet about a new Lamborghini Aventador, so there's no definitive information as of yet. Many are hinting at a possible Aventador Jota or Aventador GT. We'll just have to wait and see! Could we see it at Geneva at the beginning of March? Hopefully. Leave your thoughts about the new car in the comment section below!How to Sell My Ferrari

By Edward Jones – January 03, 2018

Lamborghini Huracan Embedded With 1.3 Million Swarovski C...

A Lamborghini Huracan can be ordered with a wide range of paint finishes. Heck, Lamborghini Ad Personam will deck out your Huracan with custom options that are completely bespoke. For one woman, however, she decided that the paint wasn't enough and Swarovski crystals were better. YouTuber Munch997 caught her crystal-embedded supercar on camera, as well as the crowd that gathered around the car. According to him, the woman who owns this car also owned a Swarovski-covered Mercedes-Benz CLS and Bentley Continental. The company who made the design possible was Vinceri UK, who uploaded " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> on how the car was created. Yes, each crystal was placed by hand... all 1,300,000 of them. It doesn't matter whether you light the design or not, you can at least say that the execution of this exterior was done quite well. Check it out for yourself in the videos below. View Lamborghini Huracan For Sale in Detroit, MI

By Edward Jones – December 04, 2017

What is the Lamborghini Urus Named After?

Lamborghini has a history of naming their cars after famous bulls, and they didn't stop with the new Urus. Continuing Lamborghini's tradition is the Urus, the Italian automaker's new super SUV. This new model was named after, unsurprisingly, the Urus, a large and wild ancestor of the domestic cattle we see today. The Lamborghini Urus name meaning was also known as Aurochs, but Lamborghini went with the former for the name of their SUV. While the Urus is not technically a Spanish fighting bull, it's very similar in appearance to the bulls you'll find fighting. READ: Lamborghini Urus Price & Specs

By Andrew Nabors – December 04, 2017

Lamborghini Huracan Performante on Jay Leno's Garage

Works of art are best described in their native language. Listening to Bill Gates talk about Windows or Akio Toyoda describing the Lexus LFA, it is easy to understand their passion for their creations. Much in the same way, Jay Leno invited Lamborghini's COO Alessandro Farmeschi to explain the finer points of the Huracan Performante. Lamborghini Huracan Performante Races McLaren 720S If you are reading this, you probably know that the latest achievement from the house of the raging bull has raised the bar for aerodynamics. Until now, active surfaces have been limited to front and rear only. But the ALA system on the Huracan Performante is the first production car to incorporate cornering into the airflow. The hollow rear spoiler is able to apply downforce left or right depending on your steering angle. The system is so revolutionary that engineers were wise to patent it before the car was launched. See Leno's Amazing Car Collection In a YouTube video uploaded this morning, two Italian men discuss the finer points of traction, power, design and the inevitable end of naturally aspirated engines. It's just over a half-hour, so get your popcorn ready and prepare to be amazed. As always, stay with us for all your Lamborghini updates and more great footage from Jay Leno's Garage. View Lamborghini Huracan For Sale View all Lamborghini Huracan For Sale in Nashville, TN

By Andrew Nabors – November 28, 2017

Listen to the Lamborghini Urus Super SUV

Splicing DNA is one of the dark arts that common sense tells us to avoid. When it comes to automotive evolution, Lamborghini has announced the perfect cross between a supercar and an SUV. It might seem like a tall order to fill, but everyone seems to forget the predecessor of the upcoming Urus for sale. The Lamborghini LM002 was the "Rambo Lambo", and it was built at the request of the Italian Army. Three decades ago, it was easy to build an SUV around the Countach's V12 to make a bold statement. But the modern marketplace is flooded with luxury utilities fighting for your dollars. So Lamborghini has taken a cautious approach on the Urus. In a video uploaded to their YouTube page, Chief Technical Officer Maurizio Reggiani explains their motivations. Pope Francis Gets His Own Special Lamborghini The DNA of the Urus is pulled from Lamborghinis both old and new. Even in heavy camouflage, styling cues from the other raging bulls can be seen. To keep it ahead of the competition, a new 4.0 liter V8 was commissioned. Twin turbos allow it to reach 650 horsepower, and it will undoubtedly be sent to all wheels. The exhaust note is as exotic as you would expect, so turn up your audio for a quick preview. Expect to find all the Urus updates here on Autofluence, so click the link below to find the Lambo that is right for you. View Lamborghini For Sale Luxury Cars for Sale

By Edward Jones – November 09, 2017

Lamborghini Urus Jumps Some Dunes

It's been a while, but there's an upcoming Lamborghini that will be able to conquer the dunes: the new Urus. It hasn't been since the LM-002 that a Lamborghini was able to be taken off of the road right off of the production line. Yeah, you can drive an Aventador onto the dunes, but don't expect to make it very far. The new Urus comes with a new list of driving modes that allow the Super SUV to adapt to any terrain. In the new Lamborghini video, they show off the Urus' new "Sabbia" mode, which translates to sand. Click play on the video below to see the Urus in action and even get its tires off of the ground. Sell Your High-End Cars Here

By Edward Jones – November 08, 2017

Stolen Lamborghini Found After Six Years

VINwiki allows you to really dig into a car's documentation. A perfect example of this provided in their latest YouTube Video where Ed Bolian, Founder of VInwiki, tells the story of how he used his company to find out two Lamborghini Gallardos were actually stolen. It all started when he spotted an Arancio Borealis Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera that seemed out of place in his town. After discovering that the VIN number on the dash was fake, he went into Sherlock-mode and did some digging. Thanks to the crowd-sourced information on VINwiki, he was able to find out more about the cars, inform the authorities and actually have the Superleggera returned back to its original owner. You have to hear the story to believe it. Click play below to hear it for yourself!Check Out VINwiki

By Edward Jones – November 02, 2017

Lamborghini Huracan Performante vs Base Huracan: Who's Fa...

The Lamborghini Huracan Performante recently held the record for the fastest car around Nurburgring, that is until it was beaten out by the Porsche 911 GT2 RS. That being said, the Huracan Performante is undoubtedly an incredibly quick car. It comes with an extra 38 horsepower when compared to the base Huracan and is also 80 lbs lighter. Other differences include the new aerodynamically-focused body pieces, like the large rear wing. But, how does the Performante stand against the base Huracan in a straight line? DragTimes took the liberties to find out in the video below. Lamborghini Huracan For Sale Las Vegas, NV

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