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 Caitlin Duffy – September 17, 2015

Lamborghini & Pirelli Lifestyle Collection

Two powerhouses of Italian automotive design have come together to create a new lifestyle collection designed for "premium customers" of the two brands.Collezione Automobili Lamborghini and Pirelli Design have partnered together to launch the "Lamborghini powered by Pirelli Design capsule collection," as a press release issued by Lamborghini today tells us. There are currently three items in the collection, each designed with the two companies' core values at the center of it all."The project," describes the release, "extends the two companies' brand values and design – technology, elegance and 100% Italian-made quality – to clothing and footwear."With four external pockets and one internal, the lambskin and nylon jacket is perfect for today's "dynamic man," and can be worn during all seasons. The left sleeve bears the Lamborghini shield, while the quilted stitching of the back is reminiscent of the geometry found in each of the marque's vehicles.A polo shirt of mercerized cotton piquet is sleek and functional. Light grey with contrasting dark grey details on the collar and sleeves, a rubberized Lamborghini shield logo completes its appearance.Similarly minimalistic are the collection's moccasins, "designed to assist the articulation of the driver's foot while driving." Black brushed calf-leather features the Lamborghini shield on the shoe's tongue, while the rubber soles feature a tread design similar to those found on Pirelli Design tires.As of now, there's no word about this collection offering items for their female premium customers, but we'll keep our fingers crossed. Stay with us for more about this collection as it is released, and find your own Lamborghini creation from our exclusive listings below.Lamborghinis For Sale (Source: Automobili Lamborghini) See More Lamborghini News

By Edward Jones – September 17, 2015

Mansory Torofeo: 1,250 HP Carbon Fiber Lamborghini Huracan

Mansory, one of the world's leaders in the aftermarket application of carbon fiber, have gone and created a very special and exclusive version of the Lamborghini Huracan. This model is among the 12 different ones that they released in a span of four days.In the web page for the Torofeo, Mansory says "they didn’t hold back in their use of carbon fibre." This sentiment is an understatement; one look at the sport car's new body and you'll see that the entire thing is made of carbon fiber. Along with the new body composition, Mansory also added new aerodynamic and design aspects. These include the new front air intakes, rear spoiler, side skirts and daytime running lights.(See Also: Mansory Unveils 12 New Models, Including Jet Ski)But these new aerodynamic body pieces aren't just for show, because the Torofeo needs all the downforce it can get. Why, you may ask? Mansory tuned the 5.2-liter V10 engine up to 1,250 hp thanks to two turbochargers and various other engine components. With its light weight and high power rating, Mansory ensured the Torofeo had all the downforce it needs to lay down the rubber and stay connected with the asphalt.Mansory states that their efforts to add power and downforce to the car worked, noting its 0-62 mph time of 2.7 seconds and a top speed of over 211 mph.Pricing or production numbers of the Mansory Torofeo have not yet been released, but we can assume it will be created in a very limited quantity at a deservingly high price point.Huracan ListingsGallery (Source: Mansory) See More Mansory News, Pics and Videos

By Edward Jones – September 14, 2015

Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4 Spyder Revealed

Unveiled by Lamborghini today in a press release, before its debut at the IAA 2015, is the brand-new Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4 Spyder. While we knew it was coming for some time, it's nice to finally see the finished product.“The Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder is the next chapter in the success story of the naturally aspirated V10 Huracán, and continues a Lamborghini tradition of open air motoring,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, in the press release. “The Huracán Spyder combines the innovation, performance and appeal of the Huracán coupé, with new technologies and an added emotional dimension. Its predecessor, the Gallardo Spyder, was the best-selling open top model in Lamborghini’s history: we expect the Huracán Spyder to exceed its predecessor in every way.”(See Also: Craziest Lamborghinis of Japan)Powering the car is Lamborghini's naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine. This familiar engine puts out 610 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, which pushes the 3,400 lbs car from a standstill to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds. It can also accelerate from 0 to 124 mph in 10.2 seconds and top out at 201 mph.As for the convertible aspect of the car, Lamborghini has introduced a new soft top, available in black, brown and red. When up, the lightweight soft top creates a seamless roofline. When it's down, the soft top is stored in what Lamborghini calls "the most efficient space possible." They note that its stowed position maintains the Spyder's center of gravity.With a press of a button on the central tunnel, the top will open up in just 17 seconds at a rate of speed up to 31 mph. What's more, the driver can control the rear window whether the top is up or down.Being a convertible, most people will look for a drop in torsional rigidity. Fortunately, Lamborghini has increased this aspect by 40 percent over the Gallardo Spyder, its predecessor. Lamborghini has also improved the Huracan Spyder's downforce by 50 percent over its predecessor.The Huracan LP 610-4 Spyder will be making its debut at the IAA 2015 in Frankfurt on September 15. It comes with a price of €186,450 (approx. $211,000 USD at today's current exchange rate).Huracan Listingshttps://blog.dupontregistry.com/features/2016-lamborghini-huracan-spyder-specs-reviews-photos/Gallery (Source: Lamborghini) See More Lamborghini News, Pics and Videos

By Edward Jones – September 14, 2015

Craziest Lamborghinis of Japan

The bōsōzoku subculture of Japan has been around for decades, and started with gangs heavily customizing motorcycles and creating their own style. Over the years, this motorcycle subculture has expanded into the car world, while the actual presence of these gangs has since decreased.If you expected us to show you entry-level bōsōzoku-style cars, think again. YouTuber Marchettino was recently in Japan and decided he would venture through underground car parks, in hopes of finding the well-known Lamborghinis of the bōsōzoku subculture. And, boy, did he ever find them.(See Also: duPont REGISTRY October 2015 Uncovered – Gulf 918 Spyder)In a video uploaded yesterday, Sept. 13, Marchettino shows off four Lamborghinis that have been heavily modified. He states in the video's description that these are the "CRAZIEST, as well as the most insane Lambo's " he has ever seen in his life.To see the cars for yourself, be sure to check out the video below and let us know what you think in the comments section below.(Source: YouTube) See More Lamborghini Videos, Pics and News

By Caitlin Duffy – September 09, 2015

Lamborghini Huracan Spyder Coming to IAA

They teased its release just a few days ago when a short video left the automotive world with another two dozen questions than it had before, and now we know what's coming: the Huracan Spyder.Of course, we still have dozens of questions left to ask, and this newest release doesn't answer many. But a photo shared on the Lamborghini press site today invites the press to watch the clocks for 12:20 pm CET, or 7:20 am EST, on Sept. 15. At that point in time, there will be a life press conference at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), and the world will find out about the Huracan LP 610-4 Spyder.It's not uncommon for Lamborghini to release Spyder versions of their models, and it was, really, only a matter of time until this one arose. But that doesn't mean we're any less excited about it. On Sept. 2, we found out that "The sky will never be the same." After this gets released, the roads probably won't be, either.Stay with us for more information as we draw closer to the IAA, and find your own Huracan from our exclusive listings below.Huracans For Sale(Source: Lamborghini, YouTube) See More Lamborghini Newshttps://blog.dupontregistry.com/features/2016-lamborghini-huracan-spyder-specs-reviews-photos

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By Caitlin Duffy – September 09, 2015

Lamborghini Veneno Roadster on Rodeo Drive

Only nine examples of the Lamborghini Veneno Roadster were ever created, and of those nine, just a few made it to the United States. They're one of the most intense models ever designed by Lamborghini, and South Bay Exotics spotted one on Beverly Hills' most iconic street just a few days ago.It's not unlikely that you'll see a stunning and rare car up and down Rodeo Drive. Just a few weeks ago Arnold Schwarzenegger took his Bugatti for a birthday ride to the Beverly Hills Hotel. But spotting one of the Veneno Roadsters anywhere is a feat.When the Veneno was released, it was a $4 million supercar with an extremely limited run; only five Venenos were created, and of those five, just three were available for customers priced at $4 million apiece. As a celebration of their 50th anniversary, Lamborghini created nine examples of the Veneno Roadster in 2014, with each initially priced at €3,300,000, or approximately $4.5 million USD*.Check out the video of the Veneno Roadster above, and then find your own Lamborghini from our exclusive listings.Lamborghinis For Sale *According to archived conversion rates at X-Rate Exchange (Source: YouTube, X-Rate Exchange) See More Lamborghini News

By Caitlin Duffy – September 02, 2015

Lamborghini Teases New Release Ahead of IAA

After news leaked that Lamborghini is developing a new, limited run supercar Aug. 21, the Italian marque could be teasing yet another model that will be unveiled at the International Auto Show 2015 in Frankfurt.Two days before the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) opens to the public, Lamborghini will be broadcasting a live stream. We're not sure exactly what will be streaming, but it's safe to assume they'll be streaming from Frankfurt, Germany. A short clip posted to YouTube today simply tells us, "The sky will never be the same."(See Also: Amazing Iron Man Aventador is an Avenger in Disguise)Its caption says to mark down Sept. 15 at 12:20 pm CET, or 6:20 am EST, when a life feed will be found on live.lamborghini.com. We cannot say for certain exactly what they'll be showing the world, but there's a good chance it could be the Huracan Spyder.Stay with us to learn more as we draw closer to the International Motor Show, and find your own Lamborghini from our exclusive listings.Lamborghinis For Sale (Source: YouTube) See More Lamborghini News

By Edward Jones – September 01, 2015

Amazing Iron Man Aventador is an Avenger in Disguise

Iron Man, a.k.a. Tony Stark, is known to the world as an Avenger, a suave businessman and a connoisseur of fine cars. With that last characteristic in mind, this Lamborghini Aventador's finish makes perfect sense. Rene Turrek, the artist who recently completed a Captain America Gallardo, has just completed yet another Lamborghini Avenger. This time, the superhero under the color-changing paint is none other than Iron Man, Captain America's rival in the upcoming movie "Captain America: Civil War."In a video uploaded Aug. 31 by the car's owner, Patrick Grabowski, we get to see the car's paint change colors in real time. When the car is cold, it appears to have a matte black finish. As soon as its temperature turns warmer, the Iron Man graffiti can be seen underneath. It's quite a spectacle to see the graffiti appear out of nowhere, especially on a car worth almost half a million dollars.But, the paint job itself is also pricey. According to the video's description, it costs about $35,000 to finish your car with a paint job like this.Be sure to stay with us to see Turrek's next paint job, which he tells us he's just getting started on.Aventadors For Sale(Source: YouTube, Rene Turrek) See More Lamborghini Pics, News and Videos

By Caitlin Duffy – August 28, 2015

UGR Lamborghini Gallardo Sets Another Half Mile Record

Underground Racing's insane Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera LP570-4 has made headlines repeatedly for setting the world record for a standing half mile maximum speed, then breaking the record, then breaking it again and again.Well, once again, it's been broken.A video added to YouTube Aug. 27 by Underground Racing gives us a first-hand look at their first ever trip to Speed S3ctor's Oregon Airstrip Attack event, where they hit an insane top speed of 234.86 mph.For a first time at an event, that's not a bad place to set the bar. Check out the video of this record-breaking run above, and find your own Gallardo to take out on the track from our exclusive listings at the button below.Gallardo Listings(Source: YouTube) See More Lamborghini News

By Edward Jones – August 26, 2015

"Bianco Isis" 2016 Lamborghini Aventador SV For Sale

Lamborghini Newport Beach has for sale the ultimate and most reactive Lamborghini produced, a 2016 Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce. This 2016 Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce features the high gloss "Bianco Isis" exterior paint and provides the most visceral driving experience.Options that are equipped on this mean white bull include "Bianco Isis" exterior paint, "Nero Cosmos" SV Alcantara interior with Red accents throughout via Lamborghini's bespoke Ad Personam program, "Carbon Skin" throughout the interior, "Dianthus" 20"/21" wheels in gloss black with red center-lock nuts, multi-function steering wheel, big SV logo on rear fender, fire extinguisher, carbon ceramic brakes with red calipers, high downforce carbon fiber rear wing, carbon fiber engine bonnet, carbon fiber hood vents, carbon fiber side intake vents, carbon fiber B-pillar window scoops, carbon fiber air intakes, carbon fiber media console, carbon fiber navigation trim, carbon fiber instrument cluster, carbon fiber Alcantara bucket seats, Lamborghini branding package and much more.Call them at your earliest convenience if you have any questions regarding this 2016 Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce.View ListingGallery (Text and Images Provided By: Lamborghini Newport Beach) See More Unique Cars For Sale

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