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 – November 19, 2018

See How Fast the Lamborghini Urus SUV Launches to 188 MPH

You have more than a few choices when shopping for a V8-powered SUV. If your daily commute involves intimidation and acceleration, the Lamborghini Urus is a raging bull with room for a family. I usually forget a critical ingredient when cooking for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Everyone needs a twin-turbo V8 with launch control because the in-laws are coming! If your cooking skills are limited we have some advice. Click the link below to find a new Lamborghini Urus. Once you find the perfect one, hit the grocery store. Throw all your ingredients in the ample cargo space and enable Launch Mode. A few laps around your local track will allow the 641 horsepower and 627 lb-ft to stuff your turkey with adrenaline and exhilaration. Tell us what you think of Lamborghini's latest in the comments below. Related: Lamborghini Urus For Sale Review & Test Drive of Lamborghini Urus Lamborghini Urus ST-X Concept

By Edward Jones – October 11, 2018

Lamborghini Driver Flees in Mercedes After Crash

Living in Florida, I'm used to hearing all the crazy stories that happen in this state. Seriously, Floridians can never escape the craziness that is our home state. At least today I get to write about a Florida Man story from my work desk.You see, a Florida Man in Miami was driving his Lamborghini Huracan Spyder around when a Ford Super Duty stopped in front of him at a red light. Apparently, the Lamborghini driver wasn't in the mood to stop and slammed into the back of the truck. This is where things get strange.Lamborghini Race Car Involved in Frightening Crash at Laguna SecaAfter crashing, the driver and passenger in the Lamborghini leapt out and stood behind a black Mercedes-Benz S-Class that was driving behind them. After staring at the driver of the truck, the two jumped into the S-Class, prompting the luxury car to speed off. Sounds unbelievable, but it was all captured on film by a nearby convenience store's security camera.The driver of the truck was unharmed in the accident, but police are searching for the identities of the two men who fled the scene. View Huracan Spyders For Sale View Huracan Spyder Specs Source: ABC10 via Autoblog

By Edward Jones – September 10, 2018

Lamborghini Race Car Involved in Frightening Crash at Lag...

Sheena Monk started her racing career in Lamborghini Corse and obtained her first FIA racing license in September 2017. Right after, she had a podium finish in the second race of her career. Many who watched the race were surprised that her first top-three finish came so soon after she began racing.Over the weekend, she took to the Laguna Seca circuit for her debut with Wayne Taylor Racing in the No. 7 Prestige Performance Lamborghini Huracan Evo Super Trofeo. This race was supposed to be a momentous occasion, as it was the start of her first full season in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America Series.Unfortunately, she was met with tragedy when her car flew into the famous corkscrew at a high rate of speed and slammed into the guardrail. When the impact occurred, her car bounced up into the air and did a complete 180-degree spin. What caused the accident is still unknown. 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante Specs, Price, Photos & Review She was then rushed to the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. IMSA, in a news release regarding the incident, says she was "awake and alert," and "in stable condition. Lamborghini also issued a statement regarding the incident: "Our thoughts are with Sheena Monk as she recovers from yesterday’s accident in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Upon initial analysis of the car data following the accident, all of the operating systems were found to be functioning appropriately, as did the car’s safety systems during, and after, impact. All of us at Lamborghini are thankful for the safety of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo race cars."We wish Sheena a speedy recovery and hope she returns to the track soon.

By Andrew Nabors – May 24, 2018

Lamborghini's Design Chief on Driving the Espada

Mitja Borkert is the Head of Design at Lamborghini. That title carries a ton of weight considering his predecessors. Names like Bertone and Horacio Pagani have also been responsible for the famous raging bulls. Maybe this is just a coincidence, but for the 2nd time in a week, Lamborghini has mentioned the Espada.Lamborghini Marzal in Public for 1st Time Since 1967Last week we covered the Marzal, the concept that was shown in Monaco 50 years ago. Most of its wild features led to the production of the Espada, and the design is just as stunning today. We rarely believe in coincidence, especially when any of VW's subsidiaries are involved. With the recent introduction of the Urus, Lamborghini is becoming as bold as ever, so maybe a new Espada is in the works? A proper 2+2 with wild lines would be an amazing addition to their lineup. So tell us what you think in the comments below and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news.Browse Lamborghini Espada For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 15, 2018

Lamborghini Marzal in Public for 1st Time Since 1967

Last weekend in Monaco, vintage Formula 1 cars, and their drivers gathered for the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. A Lamborghini owner decided to shock the crowds with a blast from the past. The Marzal was debuted there 50 years ago, and it made a triumphal entry with Prince Albert behind the wheel. In the press release, Lamborghini says the car was only driven in public once before, by his parents Princess Grace & her husband when they paced the field in the 1967 Monaco Grand Prix.This stunning concept was Bertone's idea of the future. Ferruccio Lamborghini asked for their help to build a 4-seater, and it is clear to see how it influenced the Espada. Since it turned 50 years old this year, a 1968 Espada was also part of the festivities. For many years the Marzal remained at Bertone's headquarters until it was sold for $2 Million in 2011. If you enjoy the clean lines of this concept, we always keep a nice supply of Espadas for sale. Click the link below to find one for yourself and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini Espada For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 11, 2018

Story of a Crashed Rental Lamborghini Huracan

Accidents in the car rental business are an inevitability. Fender benders and trading paint in airport parking lots support an entire industry of body repair shops. But things change in the world of exotic car rentals. A series of unfortunate circumstances befell a tourist who decided to rent a Lamborghini Huracan in Las Vegas.Lamborghini Huracan Embedded With 1.3 Million Swarovski CrystalsIn the latest YouTube video uploaded by VINwiki, Will relates his cautionary tale of an early morning Starbucks run. Much like last week's video regarding meeting your heroes in person, he has always been enamored by Lamborghini. After striking up a conversation with the rental agency, they decided to give him a deal he couldn't refuse on a stunning yellow Huracan. But this was not an ordinary LP610-4. Instead of All Wheel Drive, he rented the RWD LP580-2.Wheels & Wardrobe: Lamborghini Huracan SpyderThere is a reason Lamborghini builds AWD cars, and that is you need to be an expert driver to handle this level of power if it is RWD only. It doesn't matter how advanced your stability, ABS, or traction control systems are. A big V10 powering only the rear wheels is like tap dancing in a minefield, it's not if you will lose control, it's when. The LP610-4 has the fastest center differential of any production car so it will grip until you blackout from G-force. Once you break the rear loose on the LP580-2, you better snap into drift mode because you have just poked a raging bull who is always looking for a fight. Tell us your best rental car stories in the comments below and stay with us for more VINwiki films.Browse Lamborghini Huracan For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 20, 2017

Lamborghini Unveils the Huracan Super Trofeo Evo

Inspired by the performance of the Huracan in this year's Squadra Corse racing events, next year's season will be even more intense. The 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo Evo is an evolution of the ultimate track car. It is the brainchild of Centro Stile Lamborghini, Dallara Automobili, and input from race teams.First Lamborghini Centenario Delivered in Japan As we suggested earlier, the aerodynamics package uses lessons learned on the Huracan Performante. The intakes in the quarter panels serve not only to cool the engine, but also to direct air at the rear spoiler. The 18" wheels are shorter than production cars, but they wear massive Pirelli 305mm tires up front with 315mm out back.A sequential six-speed transmission is provided by Xtrac and connected to a triple-disc clutch. Steel brakes replace the carbon ceramics in order to help race teams afford a season of competition. Braking and traction control is handled by Bosch, from a 10-position dial on the steering wheel. It will be a force to be reckoned with next year, so stay with us for complete coverage of the Super Trofeo Series and all your Lamborghini news.

By Andrew Nabors – July 24, 2017

Lamborghini Gallardo Oil Change: 5 Year Old Edition

Almost every new exotic car includes some length of service included because they aren't exactly easy to work on. Or at least that's what they want you to believe. But excluding hybrids, most modern cars can be as easy as older ones. In the case of the Lamborghini Gallardo, changing the oil is easier than a Toyota Tundra, but I will save that story for another day. The best way to get kids involved with cars is to show them what it takes to keep them in perfect shape. Also Check Out: Lamborghini Gallardo Price & Specs The Gallardo was a long model run for Lamborghini. It was the first offspring designed after they were purchased by Audi, so it is a great combination of Italian style and German engineering. Mechanic Marcus is at a slight disadvantage in the height department, but he isn't scared to turn a wrench. The oil filter is centrally located above the engine valley, which usually makes for easy access. The factory service procedure calls for removing both intakes and throttle bodies, so one anonymous gearhead made a tool to skip this step. After unplugging a vacuum line, the filter can is pulled out between the intakes. Draining the oil is very straightforward. Both 8mm drain plugs are easy to reach, and you will have time for a break since the system holds 10 quarts. Cartridge filters are sealed by o-rings, so don't skip out on replacing them. Even if you don't have a drive-on lift and a toolbox the size of a battleship some routine jobs can be done at home. Don't be afraid of service costs, the filter and wrench can be found on Amazon direct from Lamborghini. If you want to save money and have the satisfaction of doing it yourself, check out these pre-owned Lamborghini Gallardo for sale and stay with us for more DIY videos. P.S. Ratchet wrenches are just as fun as fidget spinners

By Edward Jones – July 24, 2017

Wild Black and Yellow Lamborghini Centenario's Screaming ...

In Holland was one of the most wild-looking Lamborghini Centenarios that has rolled off of the production line in Sant'Agata. The entire car is covered in a unique black and yellow livery that seems almost outlandish when compared to the other examples that we've already seen. Supercarsfromeu captured the car at Supercars and Classics, and managed to record some little bits of fun: revs, start up and accelerating sounds. I will say that the one rev that pops off around 0:50 in is unlike any other rev you'll find. The ferociousness and raw power that sits behind the rev is both ear-shattering and glorious at the same time. What you're really hearing the video is Lamborghini's most powerful engine, a 6.5-liter V12 capable of 770 horsepower. Click play below to hear the Centenario truly come to life.

By Edward Jones – June 06, 2017

How to Unload a Lamborghini Huracan Performante (Revs Inc...

Getting a supercar on or off of a truck can be nerve-racking, especially when that car is the brand-new Lamborghini Huracan Performante.Gumbal was recently witness to the unloading of a Huracan Performante at a race track for the Supercarsunday. At this event hypercars like the McLaren P1 GR, Pagani Huayra, Koenigseggs, Bugattis and many more were on hand. As the Huracan Performante made its way to join these hypercars, the driver managed let out a few very loud revs for the pursuing photographers.Lamborghini unveiled the Huracan Performante as a tuned up version of their Coupe version. Just about everything was reworked during the development of the Performante, including its weight, engine, chassis and aerodynamics. After all of the changes were said and done, the Huracan Performante would go on to complete the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in a record-breaking 6:52:01. https://blog.dupontregistry.com/ecbg-2018/2018-lamborghini-huracan-performante-price-specs-review/

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