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 Andrew Nabors – April 15, 2021

Watch a Lamborghini LM002 Drifting Across The Alps

Age is only a number Sitting atop the Alps, Switzerland must always be ready for an Italian invasion. The same paths taken by Hannibal's War Elephants can also be accessed by a Lamborghini in 4LO. All you need is a Countach V12 engine, Pirelli's most expensive Scorpions, and decent heel-toe shifting. The Lamborghini LM002 specs were unlike anything else before the introduction of the Urus for sale, and this film shows us why. Kidston Productions spent a weekend at the Gstaad Palace to see how the land of cheese and Cuckoo Clocks would react to the Rambo Lambo. Age is only a number, as the fuel-injected beast made use of the cool air to drift between southern and central Europe. Tell us what you would do with such an opportunity in the comments below and check out these great Urus incentives from our dealers. Browse Lamborghini Urus For Sale

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 Andrew Nabors – March 30, 2021

Lamborghini Urus Driving Modes Explained

Which mode is right for the situation? Incredible power and bold styling should be enough for anyone. But what if you actually want to harness the abilities of your Raging Bull? Their latest press release gives us scenarios to explain the Lamborghini Urus driving modes. From the factory, the Urus specs include six driving modes. That is fine and dandy for most situations. Should you find yourself in a dynamic situation, a seventh mode is your blank canvas. Several hundred times a second, a powerful computer takes inputs from wheel speed, body roll, accelerometers, steering angles, and the engine's operating system. It uses these along with your right foot to instantly change the suspension, torque distribution, transmission shifting, and power delivery to keep your Urus under control. What it comes down to is how you feel: drift vs. grip. Tell us which mode suits your commute in the comments below. Browse Lamborghini Urus For Sale Images (C) Lamborghini

By Andrew Nabors – February 26, 2021

Watch a Lamborghini Urus Climb a Mountain

Aaron Durogati is a world champion paraglider and he needed a new way to reach the jump-off. A raging bull with 641 horsepower at all wheels makes for a quick ascent, so let's watch a Lamborghini Urus climb a mountain. A prominent feature of every Urus for sale is the ANIMA selector. Located on the center console, it allows you to choose the driving mode. Kicking around the dirt in the switchbacks can be fun without stability control, so I would choose Terra or Sabbia (dirt or sand) to generate a healthy rooster tail. You might not consider such tomfoolery in your daily commute, but the Urus price and specs include the abilities you need to experience. Lamborghini Urus For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 20, 2021

Unlock Winter Adventure With 2021 Lamborghini Urus Access...

Cold weather is not a reason to deny adrenaline. If you are tired of the gloom, let's unlock winter adventure with the 2021 Lamborghini Urus accessories. Starting with carbon fiber running boards, an insulated package tray keeps muddy gear away from your carpet. 2023 Lamborghini Urus Price, Horsepower & Specs Even though you have 641 horsepower through the world's most capable AWD system, snow chains will protect those forged wheels. Attacking the slopes is made easier with a Ski Bag, All-Weather Mats, and Winter tires. All this and more is available from your Lamborghini dealer, so click the button below. Browse Lamborghini Urus For Sale " width="680"> Image (C) Lamborghini S.p.A.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 12, 2021

Mansion Motors: Outfitting a Luxurious Fort Lauderdale Wa...

A luxurious lifestyle is complete with large homes on premium landscape, high-end supercars, exotic motorcycles, 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 south Florida on an oasis surrounded by the ocean and Intracoastal. 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 Newly Completed Ocean to Intracoastal Estate Address: 1107 Hillsboro Mile, Hillsboro Beach, Florida 33062, United States Square Footage: 16,001 sqft Bedroom/Bathrooms: 7/9.5 Garage: 8 Car Capacity Water Access: 100ft Concrete Dock Price: $23,900,000 View duPont REGISTRY Homes Listing For the Garage 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista Spider Dealership: Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale Engine: 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8 Engine Displacement: Mid-Engine Performance: 711hp/658ft-lbs Torque 0-60 Time: 2.85 Seconds Price: MSRP $350,000 View Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale Inventory 2020 Lamborghini Urus Lamborghini Dealership: Prestige Imports Engine: 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Engine Displacement: Front Engine Performance: 641hp/626ft-lbs Torque 0-60 Time: 3.6 Seconds Price: MSRP $218,009 View Prestige Imports Inventory 2020 Combat FA-13 Combat Motors Dealership: Combat Motors Engine: 117 cubic inch (1,917cc) 56-degree air cooled V-twin Chassis: Machined aluminum monocoque Performance: 120bhp/120ft-lbs Torque Top Speed: Over 160mph Price: $125,000 View Combat Motors Inventory For the Dock 2020 Regulator 41 Regulator Boats Dealership: Regulator Marine Length: 41ft Boat Type: Offshore Engine: Quad White Yamaha XF425 4-Stroke Engines Performance: 1700hp Price: Contact to enquire View Regulator Marine Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – January 11, 2021

2021 Lamborghini Urus Scale Model In Action

For those who are hesitant to abuse their new Lamborghini for sale, this 2021 Lamborghini Urus scale model in action displays the abilities of their potent SUV. In the latest upload by the manufacturer, photographer Kunaal Kelkar decided to create action scenes using a 1:18 model and a Fujifilm X-T3. After building an acrylic box to protect the camera, he arranged rocks to resemble a scene at the edge of the sea. Your Urus will have no problems conquering any terrain, so click the button below to begin your adventure. 2022 Lamborghini Urus Price & Specs Browse Lamborghini Urus For Sale " width="680"> Image: (C) Lamborghini Automobili

By Andrew Nabors – September 28, 2020

2021 Lamborghini Urus Graphite Capsule Unlocks Unlimited ...

With so many options for colors and interior materials, ordering a Super SUV can be intimidating. That is why this concept serves to inspire prospective owners of the Raging Bull. That is why the 2021 Lamborghini Urus Graphite Capsule unlocks unlimited Personalization options. Lamborghini Urus Price, Specs, Photos & Review Unveiling in their latest press release, the four new matte exteriors are: Bianco Monocerus, Nero Noctis, and Grigio Nimbus and Grigio Keres. If you want a 2-tone experience, these can be contrasted with gloss Arancio Leonis and Arancio Dryope, Giallo Taurus and Verde Scandal. The wheels are specific to the Graphite Capsule edition, and they also feature the contrast color around their 23" edges. Inside the 2-tone motif is carried over to the leather, stitched in Q-Citura. Ventilated Alcantara are only available on the Graphite Capsule and Pearl Capsule editions, which will debut for the 2021 model year. With an MSRP of $218,009, this 641-horsepower beast is waiting for you. Click the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Urus For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 12, 2020

Hennessey HPE750 Lamborghini Urus vs. Rolls-Royce Wraith

Sealy, Texas has been the location of many unlikely automotive comparisons, but this one is unprecedented. LoneStar Motorsports Park is a road course and certified 1/4-mile dragstrip owned and operated by Hennessey Performance. Since it is next to their headquarters, it is easy to validate each build before customer delivery, and that is what you will see here, as a new Hennessey HPE750 Lamborghini Urus lines up against a stock Rolls-Royce Wraith. The dignified Englishman packs a BMW 6.5-liter twin-turbo V12 that offers 624 horsepower and 605 lb-ft of torque, measured at the engine. The ZF 8-speed automatic is a great transmission, but it uses some of the engine power to shift gears, and only sends power to the rear wheels. The Raging Bull is Lamborghini's latest SUV, and it borrows a 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 from Porsche. Hennessey Performance Venom F5 Prototype Nears Completion John Hennessey knows how to find reliable and consistent power in anything that is turbocharged, so his team turned up the boost, gave it more timing, and all-new stainless exhaust from turbo to tailpipe. From the factory, a 2021 Lamborghini Urus for sale comes with 641 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque. Once it roars off the dyno rollers, the HPE750 makes 750 horsepower and 730 lb-ft at all tires. Spurred out of the chute, the bull leaps to 60 mph in 2.65 seconds...This wild package also applies to its cousins, the Audi Q8, Bentley Bentayga V8, and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. Click the button to learn more and stay with us for all your Hennessey Performance updates. Learn More " width="680">

By Edward Jones – July 21, 2020

The 10,000th Lamborghini Urus Has Been Created

Lamborghini is celebrating a major milestone as the 10,000th examples of the Urus has been produced. That's quite the achievement considering the Lamborghini SUV specs were first presented just back in December 2017 with production starting in February 2018. Since then, the Urus has dramatically influenced Lamborghini's sales figures. In 2019 alone, there were 4,962 examples delivered to customers. The 10,000th example of the Urus is one that's destined for Russia. It's finished in a Nero Noctis Matt finish and features the carbon fiber package and a two-tone Ad Personam interior in black and orange. It's a stunning example of the Urus and is deserving of being a milestone vehicle. If you'd like to own a Urus of your own, click the button below to see all of the examples currently listed for sale on duPontREGISTRY.com. See All Lamborghini Urus for Sale

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